Removal

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove both front halfshafts.
3. Remove front intermediate shaft assembly.
4. Remove front propeller shaft.
5. Remove RH catalytic converter exhaust pipe assembly.





6. Separate power steering return line (3) from cradle by unfastening clips (1).





7. Remove front axle housing support bracket (1).





8. Remove seven front axle assembly-to-oil pan bolts. Remove axle assembly (1) from vehicle.

DISASSEMBLY

175MM FIA Front Axle Exploded View:

1. Remove pinion housing assembly (4).





2. Remove pinion flange nut: Install Tool 6958 (1) as shown.





3. Using suitable socket (1) remove pinion flange nut.





4. Using puller 1026 (1), remove pinion flange.





5. Using suitable screwdriver, remove pinion seal (1).





6. Remove pinion housing assembly bolts (1)





7. Remove pinion depth shim (1).





8. Remove pinion housing O-ring seal (1).





9. Measure pinion housing assembly rotating torque. Rotating torque should be 130 - 250 Nm (12 - 22 inch lbs.). If rotating torque is outside of this range, bearing replacement is required. Refer to Pinion Housing Disassembly.





10. Measure differential rotating torque with Tool C-4995-A. Rotating torque should be within 190 - 260 Nm (17 - 23 inch lbs.). Measurements recorded out of this range require differential side bearing replacement and/or side bearing preload adjustment.





11. Remove axle housing cover (5). Remove differential assembly (3) and inboard axle seal (2).





12. Remove axle housing cover O-ring (1).

PINION HOUSING DISASSEMBLY





1. Press pinion gear/shaft (2) out of housing. Use suitable adapter (1) to protect end of shaft.





2. Remove pinion bearing spacer (1)





Using splitter 1130 or equivalent (2), press off pinion head bearing (1).





3. Using a suitable punch, remove pinion tail bearing cup (1).





4. Using suitable punch, remove pinion head bearing cup (1).