Drive Axle General Information

Apply a thin coat of assembly paste to the splines on the outer joint before installing the outer joint in the wheel hub. Refer to the Parts Information.

Do not let the drive axle hang down during assembly work, since the inner joint could be damaged if it is bent too far.

The wheel bearing must not be under load when the drive axle threaded connection on the wheel side is loose.

If the wheel bearings are under the load of the vehicle weight, the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings. Note the following:

• Procedure for loosening the threaded connection for the drive axle to the wheel hub. Refer to DRIVE AXLE THREADED CONNECTION, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If the vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:

-- Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.

-- Tighten the outer joint to 200 Nm.