FixVault

Section 672 (Front Axle): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle

    Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

  2. Remove skid plate if equipped. Refer to REMOVAL
    GC0146088Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  3. Remove differential housing drain plug (2) and drain the fluid.
  4. Install the drain plug and tighten to the proper specification. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
    CAUTION:

    Remove axle vent tube prior to removing axle. Failure to remove vent tube will allow axle fluid to saturate the vent and cause reduced or improper axle venting resulting in axle damage.

  5. Remove axle vent tube from axle.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
    GC0146089Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  7. Mark (3) front propeller shaft (1) and pinion flange (2) for installation reference. Remove propeller shaft from pinion flange.
  8. Remove both brake calipers and hang to the side. Refer to CALIPER, DISC BRAKE, REMOVAL .
    GC0146090Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  9. Remove and discard the hub nuts (1).
    GC0145669Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  10. Remove tie rod end nut (1).
  11. Remove stabilizer bar link bolts (7) from lower control arms.
    GC0145966Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  12. Separate the outer tie rod ends (3) from the knuckles (2) with Ball Joint Remover (special tool #8677, Remover, Ball Joint) (1).
  13. Remove the upper ball joint nuts.
    GC0145676Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  14. Separate the upper ball joints (2) from the knuckles (3) using Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint) (1).
    GC0146092Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  15. Pull out on the steering knuckles (2) and push the half shafts (1) out of the knuckles.
  16. With a pry bar remove both half shafts from the axle.
  17. Support axle with a lift/jack.
  18. On Diesel applications, remove the lower oil pan to remove mounting bolt. Refer to LOWER OIL PAN .
    GC0146093Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  19. Loosen the front axle cover bushing bolt (2) and front axle pinion nose bushing bolt (1) from the crossmember.
    GC0146094Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  20. Remove the nut and bolt (1) from front axle tube bushing (2) bracket.
  21. Remove the bolts (1) from front axle tube bushing bracket (2).
  22. Remove the bolts (3) from frame dampener.
    GC0145633Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    To remove the axle, tilt the front side of the axle downward while maneuvering the axle bracket. Then lower the axle and slide it to the RH side of the vehicle to clear the front axle cover mounting bracket.

  23. Remove the axle (1) from the vehicle.