Removing
Remove the hub cap or wheel trim. On models before 2001, remove the cotter pin and unscrew the locknut securing the drive shaft to the front wheel hub. On models since 2001, bend the collar of the nut that is bent into the groove of the wheel drive shaft.
Socket wrench with large shoulder (with extension) unscrew the nut securing the drive shaft to the front wheel hub.
Loosen the front wheel nuts, then raise the front of the vehicle and place it on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
Drain the gearbox oil.
Turn out nuts and a bolt and disconnect from a rotary fist steering draft and the lower arm of a forward suspension bracket.
Tilt the steering knuckle away from the vehicle and remove the drive shaft from the front wheel hub. If the drive shaft cannot be removed from the hub by hand, knock it out with a mallet. Hang the outer end of the shaft to the body with a soft wire, do not let it hang freely, as this may damage the inner CV joint of the drive shaft.
Pic. 10.1. The location of the bolts of the support bearing of the right drive shaft on front-wheel drive vehicles with automatic transmission
If the right drive shaft is removed on a front-wheel drive vehicle with an automatic transmission, remove the support bearing bracket mounting bolts (pic. 10.1).
If the right drive shaft is removed on a front-wheel drive vehicle with a manual transmission, remove the thrust bearing retaining ring.
Pic. 10.2. Using a pry bar to remove the drive shaft from the gearbox
With a blow of a brass hammer on the pry bar installed between the inner CV joint and the gearbox housing, remove the drive shaft from the gearbox and remove it from the car (pic. 10.2). On bearing support models, to remove the drive shaft from the transmission, insert a pry bar between the transmission housing and the bearing support.
Installation
Pic. 10.3. Removing the retaining ring from the inner CV joint
Remove the retaining ring from the inner CV joint and install a new ring (pic. 10.3).
Lubricate the splines of the inner CV joint with gear oil.
Lubricate the working edges of the differential seal and, aligning the splines on the shaft and side gear of the differential, insert the drive shaft into the gearbox until it is fixed with a retaining ring.
If a drive shaft or countershaft with a thrust bearing is installed, install the thrust bearing bracket mounting bolts or install the circlip.
Lubricate the splines of the outer CV joint and, moving the steering knuckle towards the car, insert the shaft into the hub.
Install the front lower control arm to the steering knuckle ball joint and secure it with the bolt and nuts.
Fasten the tie rod ball joint to the steering knuckle with a nut.
Screw the nut securing the drive shaft to the hub. On models from 2001, a new nut must be used. Pre-tighten the nut sufficiently.
Hold the inner CV joint, not the drive shaft, to make sure that the drive shaft is securely locked in the gearbox.
Install the wheel and secure it with nuts. Lower the car.
With the vehicle on wheels, tighten the nut securing the drive shaft to the hub to 216 Nm. On models up to 2001, screw on the locknut and secure it with a cotter pin from loosening. On models from 2001, use a hammer and punch to drive the collar of the nut into the groove of the drive shaft.
Pour oil into the gearbox.