Drive Shaft

Removal & Installation

To Remove:

1. Remove the transmission under cover.
2. Drain the transmission fluid.
3. Remove the drive shaft cotter pin.

   CAUTION
   When loosening the drive shaft nut, do not apply the vehicle weight to the wheel bearing.

4. Remove the drive shaft nut and the lower arm ball joint retaining nut.

   CAUTION
   Tie the cord of the special tool (MB991113) to the nearby part. Loosen the nut but do not remove it.

5. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint using the special tool (MB991113).
6. Remove the tie rod end cotter pin.
7. Remove the tie rod end retaining nut.

   CAUTION
   Tie the cord of the special tool (MB991113) to the nearby part. Loosen the nut but do not remove it.

8. Remove the tie rod end.
9. Remove the center bearing bracket bolts.

   CAUTION
   Pulling on the drive shaft will damage the T.J. Make sure to use the pry bar.

10. To remove the drive shaft and inner shaft assembly (RH) and drive shaft (LH), do the following:
    • Step 1: Use the special tools (MB990241 & MB990767) to push out the drive shaft from the hub.
    • Step 2: Tap the center bearing bracket with a hammer, to remove the drive shaft and inner shaft (RH) from the transmission.
    • Step 3: Insert a pry bar between the transaxle case and the drive shaft, and then pry the drive shaft from the transaxle.

    CAUTION
    Do not apply the full load of the vehicle onto the wheel bearings when the drive shaft has been removed. If you need to apply a load to the bearings in order to move the vehicle, for instance, use the special tool to temporarily secure the bearings.

11. Use the special tool (MB991460) as a cover to prevent the entry of foreign objects into the transaxle case.

To Install:

CAUTION
Do not apply the full load of the vehicle onto the wheel bearings when the drive shaft has been removed. If you need to apply a load to the bearings in order to move the vehicle, for instance, use the special tool to temporarily secure the bearings.

1. Remove the special tool (MB991460) which was used as a cover to prevent the entry of foreign objects into the transaxle case.
2. Install the drive shaft and inner shaft assembly (RH) and drive shaft (LH).
3. Install the center bearing bracket bolts.

4. Install the tie rod end.
5. Install the tie rod end retaining nut and the tie rod end cotter pin.

6. Connect the lower arm ball joint using the special tool (MB991113).
7. Install the lower arm ball joint retaining nut.

   CAUTION
   Do not apply the vehicle weight to the wheel bearing while loosening the drive shaft nut.

8. When installing the drive shaft nut, do the following:
   • Step 1: Make sure to install the drive shaft washer in the specified direction.

     CAUTION
     There should not be any load on the wheel bearings when the drive shaft nut is tightened.

   • Step 2: Use the special tool (MB990767) to tighten the drive shaft nut onto the lower end of the specified torque range.
   • Step 3: If the position of the cotter pin holes do not match, tighten the nut to a maximum of 188 ft-lb (255 Nm).
   • Step 4: Install the cotter pin in the first matching holes and bend it securely.
9. Install the drive shaft cotter pin.
10. Replenish the transmission fluid.
11. Install the transmission under cover.