Repair Procedures: Removal

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

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

Fig 1: Wheel & Tire 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: Unstaking Driveshaft Lock Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

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

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

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

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

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

Fig 6: Disconnecting Tie Rod End
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the split pin and lower arm bolt and nut (A).
Tightening torque Nm (Kgf.m, lb-ft):

90 ~ 120 (9.0 ~ 12.0, 65 ~ 87)

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

Fig 8: Disconnecting Driveshaft
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 11: 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: Transaxle Case & 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 driveshaft is removed from the transaxle case.