REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

caution

Because the vehicle speed detection encoder is magnetised, deposition of metal objects are prone to occur.Pay attention that no foreign objects are found on the vehicle speed detection encoder. At the same time, do not fail to check that no abnormality exists when assembling. In addition, always keep magnetic substances away from the magnetic encoder.
When removing and installing the drive shaft assembly, make sure that the vehicle speed detection encoder does not contact with surrounding parts to avoid damage.
When removing and installing the rear wheel speed sensor, make sure that the sensor tip does not contact with surrounding parts to avoid damage.
When replacing the drive shaft assembly with a new one, be sure to remove the magnetic encoder protective cover without a fail which is mounted on the new drive shaft assembly.

Pre-removal operation

Shock absorber and axle assembly joint removal, rear coil spring removal (Refer to GROUP 34 - Shock Absorber and Coil Spring Removal and Installation .)

Post-installation operation

Using your fingers, press the ball joint dust cover to check for a crack or damage.
Shock absorber and axle assembly joint connection, rear coil spring installation (Refer to GROUP 34 - Shock Absorber and Coil Spring Removal and Installation .)
Wheel alignment check and adjustment (Refer to GROUP 34 - On-vehicle Service - Rear Wheel Alignment Check and Adjustment .)
Headlamp aiming check (Refer to GROUP 54A - On-vehicle Service, Headlamp Aiming Adjustment .)

			Removal steps
		1.	Rear height sensor assembly
		·	Lateral rod (Refer to GROUP 34 - Lower Arm and Lateral Rod Assembly Installation and Removal .)
		2.	Wheel speed sensor fixing clip, Parking brake cable fixing bolt
		3.	Split pin
<<A>>	>>B<<	4.	Locking nut
	>>B<<	5.	Washer
<<B>>	>>A<<	6.	Drive shaft RH
<<B>>		7.	Output shaft assembly
<<B>>		8.	Output shaft
		9.	Circlip
<<B>>		10.	Drive shaft LH
		11.	Circlip

REMOVAL SERVICE POINTS

<<A>> LOCK NUT REMOVAL

caution

Do not apply the vehicle weight on the wheel bearing before fully tightening the locking nut. Otherwise, the wheel bearing may be broken.

Use the front hub & flange yoke holder (special tool: MB990767) to fix the hub as shown in the figure, and remove the lock nut.

<<B>> DRIVE SHAFT AND OUTPUT SHAFT REMOVAL

1.Using a jack or a similar tool, support the axle assembly, and keep the drive shaft to be horizontal.

caution

Because the vehicle speed detection encoder is magnetised, deposition of metal objects are prone to occur.Make sure that the magnetic encoder does not have any deposition of foreign object. In addition, always keep magnetic substances away from the magnetic encoder.
When the drive shaft is removed, make sure that it does not contact with the vehicle speed detection magnetic encoder to avoid damage.

If the driveshaft is seized with the hub, use the following special tools to push the driveshaft assembly out from the hub:

Axle shaft puller (MB990241)
Front hub & flange yoke holder (MB990767)

caution

Be sure to use a lever without a fail because the ETJ assembly or EDJ assembly may be damaged when the drive shaft is removed from the EUJ assembly side.
Care must be taken to ensure that the oil seal of the transmission is not damaged by the spline part of the driveshaft.

3.Using a lever, disengage the EDJ assembly of drive shaft (RH) as well as ETJ assembly of drive shaft (LH) from the transmission.

4.Lower the axle assembly from the centre of shock absorber lower side mounting section with an amount not more than the dimension (A) described below.
A: Approx. 60 mm
5.Remove the drive shaft (RH).

note

Work becomes easier when the drive shaft is removed from the right side, and installed from the left side. Also, the removal becomes easier if the axle is pulled laterally.

6.When both the output shaft and drive shaft (RH) are removed together, separate according to the steps below.
(1) Push the drive shaft (RH) into the transmission.
(2) Use a lever to disengage the circlip of drive shaft (LH).
(3) Lower the axle assembly from the centre of shock absorber lower side mounting section with an amount not more than the dimension (A) described below. Then, remove the drive shaft (LH).
A: Approx. 100 mm
(4) Using the same manner, remove the drive shaft (RH) together with the output shaft.
(5) Using the sliding hammer (special tool: MB991721), remove the output shaft.

caution

Do not apply the vehicle weight to the wheel bearing with the driveshaft assembly removed. If the vehicle weight must be applied (e.g. when the vehicle must be moved), tighten the front hub remover & installer (special tool: MB991017) to the specified torque (144 to 176 N·m).

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS

>>A<< DRIVE SHAFT INSTALLATION

caution

Because the vehicle speed detection encoder is magnetised, deposition of metal objects are prone to occur.Pay attention that no foreign objects are found on the vehicle speed detection encoder. At the same time, do not fail to check that no abnormality exists when assembling. In addition, always keep magnetic substances away from the magnetic encoder.
When the drive shaft is installed, make sure that it does not contact with the vehicle speed detection magnetic encoder to avoid damage.
Care must be taken to ensure that the oil seal of the transmission is not damaged by the spline part of the driveshaft assembly.

Install the drive shaft (LH) while guiding it along the concave section of the transmission case groove from the above.

>>B<< WASHER AND LOCK NUT INSTALLATION

caution

Do not apply the vehicle weight on the wheel bearing before fully tightening the locking nut. Otherwise, the wheel bearing may be broken.

1.Incorporate the driveshaft washer as shown in the figure.
2.Using the front hub & flange yoke holder (special tool: MB990767), tighten the lock nut. Tighten it to the lower limit of specified torque in order to align the pin holes.
Tightening torque: 144 to 176 N·m
3.If the pin holes are not aligned, retighten up to 176 N·m. Set the split pin into the first aligned hole, and bend the split pin.