Removal and Installation

REAR DRIVE SHAFT


Removal and Installation


COMPONENT
VQ35HR models










VK45DE models











REMOVAL
1. Remove tires with power tool.
2. Remove cotter pin, then loosen wheel hub lock nut with power tool.
3. Remove stabilizer connecting rod mounting bracket fixing bolt and free stabilizer connecting rod. Rear Suspension.





4. Separate the wheel hub and bearing assembly from drive shaft by lightly tapping the end with a suitable tool hammer and wood block, and then remove wheel hub lock nut.

CAUTION:
- Do not place drive shaft joint at an extreme angle. Also be careful not to overextend slide joint.
- Do not allow drive shaft to hang down without support for counterpart such as joint sub-assembly, and other parts.

NOTE:
Using a puller (suitable tool) if the wheel hub and bearing assembly and drive shaft cannot be separated even after performing the above procedure.
5. Remove mounting bolts between side flange and drive shaft with a power tool.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
- Move joint up/down, left/right, and in the axial direction. Check for any rough movement or significant looseness.





- Check boot for cracks or other damage, and also for grease leakage.
- If a malfunction is found, disassemble drive shaft, and then replace with new one.

INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
- Clean the matching surface of wheel hub lock nut and wheel hub and bearing assembly.

CAUTION:
Never apply lubricating oil to these matching surface.





- Clean the matching surface of drive shaft and wheel hub and bearing assembly. And then apply paste [service parts (440037S000)]
to surface (A) of joint sub-assembly of drive shaft.

CAUTION:
Apply paste to cover entire flat surface of joint sub-assembly of drive shaft.

Amount paste: 1.0 - 3.0 g (0.04 - 0.10 oz)

- Use the following torque range for tightening the wheel hub lock nut.

Torque: 180 Nm (18.4 kg-m, 133 ft-lb) - 185 Nm (18.8 kg-m, 136 ft-lb)

CAUTION:
- Since the drive shaft is assembled by press-fitting, use the tightening torque range for the wheel hub lock nut.
- Be sure to use torque wrench to tighten the wheel hub lock nut. Never use a power tool.

NOTE:
Wheel hub lock nut tightening torque does not over torque for avoiding axle noise, and does not less than torque for avoiding looseness.
- Never use a power tool to tighten the wheel hub lock nut.
- Perform the final tightening of each of parts under unladen conditions, which were removed when removing wheel hub and bearing assembly and axle housing.
- Never reuse cotter pin and wheel hub lock nut.