To remove and install front and rear axle shafts, begin by setting the parking brake and loosening the wheel lug nuts. Then, raise the vehicle, secure it with jackstands, and remove the wheels. For front axle shaft removal, proceed by removing the cotter pin, nut lock, and spring washer from the axle shaft end, and use a punch to prevent the brake disc from turning or have an assistant apply the brake. Remove the axle shaft/hub nut, ABS wheel speed sensor (if equipped), and disconnect the control arm from the steering knuckle. Pull the steering knuckle away from the outer CV joint of the axle shaft and separate the splines if necessary. For a stuck axle shaft, use a puller if needed. In the case of a left side (all models)/right side (AWD models), remove the intermediate shaft support bracket bolts. For all models, support the outer axle shaft end, insert a prybar between the inner CV joint and the transaxle case, and pry sharply to disengage the inner CV joint from the transaxle. Carefully withdraw the inner CV joint or intermediate shaft from the transaxle, taking care not to drag the spline or snap-ring across the axle shaft oil seal. Installation is the reverse of removal, with specific steps including thorough cleaning and greasing of splines, bearing shields, and oil seal sealing surfaces, as well as seating the snap-ring on the inner CV joint stub shaft into its groove during installation. Finally, reconnect the control arm balljoint, tighten the new axle shaft/hub nut, and lug nuts as needed. For rear axle shaft removal, set the parking brake, remove the rear wheel cover or hubcap, and loosen but do not remove the axle shaft/hub nut. Raise the vehicle, support it with jackstands, and place the shift selector lever in Neutral. Remove the rear differential assembly from the vehicle, followed by the axle shaft/hub nut, and pull the axle shaft from the hub and bearing assembly toward the center of the vehicle. Separate the splines if necessary using a soft-faced hammer. Installation is the reverse of removal, including cleaning and greasing as specified, seating the snap-ring on the inner CV joint stub shaft, and tightening the axle shaft/hub nut and lug nuts.
