The front axle consists of a knuckle, front hub, unit
bearing and drive shaft. The unit bearing is press-
fitted to the front hub and bolted to the knuckle. Also,
the unit bearing utilizes a double row angular contact
ball bearing. The drive shaft has a tripod joint (TJ) on
the transaxle side and a birfield joint (BJ) on the
wheel side. A center bearing and an inner shaft have
been adopted in 3.0L engine.

CONSTRUCTION DIAGRAM

FR O N T A XLE D IA G N O SIS

INTRODUCTION

M1261005500061

Noise from driveshaft or inner shaft can be caused
by a component defect.

TROUBLESHOOTING STRATEGY

M1261005600079

Use these steps to plan your diagnostic strategy. If
you follow them carefully, you will be sure that you
have exhausted most of the possible ways to find a
front axle fault.
1. Gather information from the customer.

2. Verify that the condition described by the

customer exists.

3. Find the malfunction by following the Symptom

Chart.

4. Verify malfunction is eliminated.

AC001145

KNUCKLE

FRONT HUB

UNIT
BEARING

DYNAMIC
DAMPER

DRIVESHAFT

INNER SHAFT

CENTER BEARING

<3.0L ENGINE-RH>

<2.4L ENGINE, 3.0L ENGINE-LH>

FRONT AXLE DIAGNOSIS

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FRONT AXLE

26-3

SYMPTOM CHART

M1261005700098

SYMPTOM PROCEDURES

INSPECTION PROCEDUR 1: Noise during Wheel Rotation

DIAGNOSIS

STEP 1. Check the driveshaft and inner shaft for
bending.

Q: Is the driveshaft and inner shaft bent?

YES :

Replace the part. Then go to Step 4.

NO :

Go to step 2.

STEP 2. Check the inner shaft bearing for wear.

Q: Is the inner shaft bearing worn?

YES :

Replace the bearings. Then go to Step 4.

NO :

Go to Step 3.

STEP 3. Check the driveshaft assembly for wear,
damage or bending.

Q: Is the driveshaft assembly worn, damaged or bent?

YES :

Replace the driveshaft assembly. Then go

to Step 4.

NO :

There is no action to be taken.

STEP 4. Check symptoms.

Q: Is the abnormal noise eliminated?

YES :

Repeat to Step 1.

NO :

This diagnosis is complete.

INSPECTION PROCEDUR 2: Noise due to Excessive Play of Wheel in Turning Direction

DIAGNOSIS

STEP 1. Check for play in the inner shaft and side
gear serration, the driveshaft and side gear, or
the driveshaft and drive flange.

Q: Is the play found?

YES :

Adjust or replace the part. Then go to Step

NO :

This diagnosis is complete.

STEP 2. Check symptoms.

Q: Is the abnormal noise eliminated?

YES :

Repeat to Step 1.

NO :

This diagnosis is complete.

SYMPTOMS

INSPECTION
PROCEDURE

REFERENCE PAGE

Driveshaft,
inner shaft

Noise during wheel rotation

P.26-3

Noise due to excessive play of wheel in turning
direction

P.26-3

SPECIAL TOOLS

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FRONT AXLE

26-4

SPECIA L TO O LS

M1261000600096

TOOL

TOOL NUMBER
AND NAME

SUPERSESSION APPLICATION

MB990767
End yoke holder

MB990767-01

Hub fixing

MB991618
Hub bolt remover

General service
tool

Driving out of hub bolt

MB990635 or
MB991113
Steering linkage
puller

MB991113-01,
MB990635-01 or
General service
tool

Knuckle and tie rod end ball joint
disconnection

MB990998
Front hub
remover and
installer

MB990998-01 or
General service
tool

•

Removal of or pressing-in the hub

•

Provisional holding of the wheel
bearing

MB990326
Preload socket

General service
tool

Wheel bearing breakaway torque
measurement

MB990241
Axle shaft puller
A: MB990244
Puller shaft
B: MB990242
Puller bar

MB990241-01 or
General service
tool

Drive shaft removal

MB991354
Puller body

MB990241-01 or
General service
tool

Drive shaft removal

MB990767

MB991618

MB990635

MB990998

MB990326

MB990241AB

MB991354

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