04/11/2024 04:43:19

Halfshaft - Front Drive Unit - LH (1st Generation) (Remove and Replace)

Correction Code 39302002

Special tool(s) required for this procedure:

Part Number Description
1498673-00-A KIT, CABLE AXLE REMOVER, MS/MX/M3

This procedure is for vehicles built through April 24, 2019. For vehicles built after April 24, 2019, SeeHalfshaft - Front Drive Unit - LH (2nd Generation) (Remove and Replace).

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
If the vehicle has air suspension, activate "Jack" mode on the touchscreen before raising and supporting the vehicle.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
When installing halfshaft 1626637-00-A or newer: if not already installed, install the updated LH front drive unit axle seal.

Removal

  1. Position the vehicle in preparation for raising it, but do not raise it at this time.
  2. Engage the electric park brake.
  3. Remove the center cap from the LF wheel.
  4. Loosen the LF axle nut, but do not remove it yet.
  5. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Install) .
  6. Release the 2 hook-and-loop straps that attaches the RH section of the acoustic cover onto the front drive unit.
  7. Remove the LF wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install) .
  8. Remove the LF axle nut and washer (torque 245 Nm).
  9. Restrain the tie rod ball joint pin, then remove the nut that attaches the tie rod end to the knuckle (torque 103 Nm).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    To prevent ball joint damage, always hold the ball joint pin with a wrench while loosening or tightening the lock nut.
  10. Working in the LF wheelwell, release the rubber grommets that attach the front wheel speed sensor harness to the body (x2) and the knuckle (x1).
  11. Remove the bolt and nut that attaches the knuckle to the upper control arm ball joint (torque 60 Nm).
  12. Disconnect the upper control arm from the knuckle.
  13. Remove the front skidplate. See Skidplate - Front (Remove and Replace) .
  14. Near the RH side of the drive unit gear box, release the clips that attaches the coolant hose to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    This provides additional access to drain the gearbox fluid in a later step.
  15. Pull back the acoustic cover to provide access to the drain plug.
  16. Prepare a suitable container to catch the gearbox fluid in the next step.
  17. Remove the drain plug (torque 28 Nm).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow the gearbox fluid to completely drain from the drive unit.
  18. Remove and discard the bolt that attaches the stabilizer bar to the stabilizer bar end links (torque 70 Nm).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Replace all patchbolt(s).
  19. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the shock absorber to the rear lower control arm (torque 140 Nm).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    During reinstallation, make sure that this bolt is torqued while the vehicle is in ride height position.
  20. With assistance, release the halfshaft from the hub.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    To reduce the risk of personal injury, wear cut resistant gloves and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as required when removing the halfshaft. Keep hands clear from other components to prevent injury when the halfshaft releases from the Drive Unit.
  21. Position the axle remover cable around the inner joint of the LH rear drive unit halfshaft, and then use a cable tie to hold the axle remover cable in position.
    Figure 1. Axle removed from drive unit for demonstration purposes
  22. Hook the axle remover slide hammer on the 2 axle remover cable loops, and then use the slide hammer to remove the halfshaft from the drive unit.
  23. Use the axle extractor tool to remove the axle from the drive unit.

Installation

Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
When installing halfshaft 1626637-00-A or newer: if not already installed, install the updated LH front drive unit axle seal.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Replace all Patchbolt(s).
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position.
  • Apply approximately 1 gram of Molykote M-77 Lubricant Paste only to the hub mating face on the outboard side of the halfshaft.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not apply any lubricant to the halfshaft splines. If lubricant is mistakenly applied, wipe the splines clean with a shop towel.
  • When installing the halfshaft(s) into the drive unit:
    • Make sure that the opening of the snap ring is facing towards the bottom of the drive unit.
    • Do not damage or displace the oil seal.
    • Verify that the halfshaft is fully seated:
      • Carefully push the halfshaft into the drive unit until there is an audible "click" from the halfshaft stub contacting the pinion shaft.
      • There will be a slight pulling sensation on the halfshaft as the halfshaft circlip locks into place.
      • Pull on the inner halfshaft cup to confirm that the circlip is locked into place. If the halfshaft detaches from the drive unit then reinstall the halfshaft and then test that it is fully seated.
  • Fill the drive unit with the correct amounts of the proper fluids.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Use exactly the specified amount of gear oil.