(11) Remove halfshaft(s) (Fig. 17). Left halfshaft:
While applying outward pressure on joint by hand,
dislodge inner tripod joint from differential side gear
by striking outward with a punch. When removing
tripod joint and halfshaft, do not let spline or snap
ring drag across axle seal. Right halfshaft: Slide
inner tripod joint off of intermediate shaft. If diffi-
culty is encountered, dislodge joint from intermediate
shaft using punch.
(12) If intermediate shaft is to be removed, remove
two (2) intermediate shaft bearing-to-bracket bolts
(Fig. 17).
CAUTION: The halfshaft, when installed, acts as a
bolt and secures the front hub/bearing assembly. If
vehicle is to be supported or moved on its wheels
with a halfshaft removed, install a PROPER–SIZED
BOLT AND NUT through front hub. Tighten bolt and
nut to 244 N·m (180 ft. lbs.). This will ensure that
the hub bearing cannot loosen.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION—EXCEPT 2.4L TURBO
MODELS
CAUTION: Boot sealing is vital to retain special
lubricants and to prevent foreign contaminants
from entering the C/V joint. Mishandling, such as
allowing the assemblies to dangle unsupported, or
pulling or pushing the ends can cut boots or dam-
age C/V joints. During removal and installation pro-
cedures, always support both ends of the halfshaft
to prevent damage.
(1) Thoroughly clean spline and oil seal sealing
surface, on tripod joint. Lightly lubricate oil seal
sealing surface on tripod joint with fresh clean trans-
mission lubricant.
(2) Holding halfshaft assembly by tripod joint and
interconnecting shaft, install tripod joint into trans-
axle side gear as far as possible by hand.
(3) Carefully align tripod joint with transaxle side
gears. Then grasp halfshaft interconnecting shaft
and push tripod joint into transaxle side gear until
fully seated. Test that snap ring is fully engaged
with side gear by attempting to remove tripod
Fig. 17 Halfshaft and Intermediate Shaft—2.4L Turbo Models
1 - HALFSHAFT - LEFT
2 - HALFSHAFT - RIGHT
3 - SUPPORT BRACKET - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
4 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT/BEARING ASSEMBLY
3 - 8
HALF SHAFT
PL/SRT-4
HALF SHAFT (Continued)