Front Driveshaft Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Kia Sedona and 2006 Kia Sedona. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel & tire assembly (A) from the front hub assembly (B).
Tightening torque N.m (Kgf.m, lb-ft):

90-110 (9.0-11.0, 65-80)

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel & Tire Assembly And Front Hub Assembly
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Loosen the drain plug and drain the ATF.
Unstake the driveshaft lock nut using a chisel and hammer.

Fig 2: Tapping Driveshaft Lock Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Identifying Driveshaft Lock Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the driveshaft lock nut (A).
Tightening torque N.m (Kgf.m, lb-ft):

245-275 (24.5-27.5, 177-199)

Fig 4: Identifying Driveshaft Lock Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the split pin and castle nut from the tie rod end ball joint.
Tightening torque N.m (Kgf.m, lb-ft):

60-80 (6.0-8.0, 43-58)

Fig 5: Identifying Split Pin And Castle Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the tie rod end (A) from the knuckle using a SST (09568-4A000).

Fig 6: Identifying Tie Rod End And Knuckle SST (09568-4A000)
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the split pin and lower arm bolt and nut (A).
Tightening torque N.m (Kgf.m, lb-ft):

90-12 (9.0-12.0, 65-87)

Fig 7: Identifying Split Pin And Lower Arm Bolt
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Using a plastic hammer, disconnect the driveshaft (A) from the front hub assembly (B).

Fig 8: Tapping Driveshaft And Front Hub Assembly
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Fig 9: Identifying Driveshaft
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Removal of the driveshaft [RH].
1. Remove the heat protector (A).
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Heat Protector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove the inner shaft bearing bracket assembly mounting bolts (A).
Tightening torque N.m (Kgf.m, lb-ft):

Gasoline: 50-65 (5.0-6.5, 36-47)

Fig 11: Identifying Inner Shaft Bearing Bracket Assembly Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Insert pry bar (C) between the transaxle case (B) and driveshaft joint (A), separate driveshaft from the transaxle.

Fig 12: Identifying Transaxle Case And Driveshaft Joint
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION:
- Use a pry bar being careful not to damage the transaxle and joint.
- Do not insert a pry bar too deep, as this may cause damage to the oil seal.
- Do not pry on the driveshaft by excessive force it may cause components inside the joint kit to dislodge resulting in a torn boot or a damaged bearing.
Pull out the driveshaft from the transaxle case.
CAUTION:
- Plug the hole of the transaxle case with the oil seal cap to prevent contamination.
- Replace the retainer ring whenever the drive-shaft is removed from the transaxle case.