Section 308 (Front Axle): Removal: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Drain Plug

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With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on hoist.
Remove skid plate, if equipped.
Remove differential housing (3) drain plug (2) and drain the fluid.
Install the drain plug and torque to 34 N.m (25 ft. lbs.).

Fig 2: Front Reference Mark
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Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
Mark front propeller shaft (1) and pinion flange (2) for installation reference. Remove propeller shaft from pinion flange.

Fig 3: Identifying Hub Nut & Half Shaft
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Remove hub nuts (1) from half shafts (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Link & Bolts
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Remove stabilizer bar link (1) bolts (2) from lower control arm.

Fig 5: Identifying Shocks Clevis & Nuts
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Remove the shock clevises. Refer to BRACKET, CLEVIS, REMOVAL .

Fig 6: Identifying Tie Rod End & Steering Knuckle
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Remove tie rod end (1) nuts and separate ends from the steering knuckles (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Upper Ball Joint Nuts & Steering Knuckles
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Remove both front brake calipers and hang with mechanics wire. Refer to CALIPER, DISC BRAKE, REMOVAL .
Remove upper ball joint nuts (1) from steering knuckles (2) and separate ball joints from steering knuckles (2).

Fig 8: Identifying Half Shaft & Knuckle
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Pull out on the steering knuckles (2) and push the half shaft (1) out of the knuckles.
With a pry bar remove the RH half shaft (1) from the axle.

Fig 9: Identifying Oil Filter Drain Tray & Vent Hose
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Remove oil filter drain tray (1) and vent hose (2) from differential cover.

Fig 10: Identifying Front Axle Bracket Cradle Nut & Front Axle Bracket Bolts
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Support axle with a lift/jack.
Loosen the front axle bracket nut and bolt (1) from crossmember. Remove front axle bracket nuts and bolts (2) from axle housing.

Fig 11: Identifying Nut/Bolt & Right Axle
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Remove nut and bolt (1) from right axle (2) bracket.

Fig 12: Identifying Bolts & Rear Axle Bracket
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Remove bolts (1) from rear axle bracket (2).

Fig 13: Identifying Axle
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NOTE:
To remove the axle, tilt the cover side of the axle downward while maneuvering the front axle bracket out of the way. Then lower the axle and slide it to the RH side of the vehicle to clear the LH axle shaft
Remove the axle (1) from the vehicle.