SECTION 205-04: Front Drive Halfshafts
2014 Flex Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Procedure revision date: 05/02/2013

Halfshaft — LH


Special Tool(s)
Halfshaft Remover
205-832
Remover, Front Wheel Hub
205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) or equivalent
Slide Hammer
100-001 (T50T-100-A)

Exploded View

Item Part Number Description
1 W712435 Wheel hub nut
2 3051LH Lower ball joint
3 3B437 Halfshaft assembly
4 W710015 Lower ball joint nut

Removal

  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
  1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .
  1. NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

    Remove the wheel hub nut.
  1. NOTICE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal or Constant Velocity (CV) boot may occur.

    NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.

    Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.
  1. Using the Front Wheel Hub Remover, separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub.
  1. Pull the wheel knuckle outboard and rotate it toward the rear of the vehicle.
  1. NOTICE: The sharp edges on the stub shaft splines can slice or puncture the oil seal. Use care when inserting the stub shaft into the transmission or damage to the component may occur.

    Using the Slide Hammer and Halfshaft Remover, remove the halfshaft from the transmission.
  1. Remove and discard the circlip from the stub shaft.
  1. Inspect the halfshaft hub for wear or damage and install a new halfshaft, if necessary.
    1. Inspect the differential seal surface.
    1. Inspect the halfshaft bushing surface. If this surface is damaged, inspect the halfshaft bushing for damage.
    1. Inspect the differential side gear splines.

Installation

  1. NOTICE: The circlips are unique in size and shape for each shaft. Make sure to use the specified circlip for the application or vehicle damage may occur.

    Install the correct new circlip on the inboard stub shaft.
  1. Install the Differential Oil Seal Protector on the LH halfshaft seal.
  1. NOTE: Remove the seal protector before the halfshaft is installed completely.

    NOTE: After insertion, pull the halfshaft inner end to make sure the circlip is locked.

    Push the stub shaft into the transmission so the circlip locks into the differential side gear.
  1. Rotate the wheel knuckle into position and insert the halfshaft into the wheel hub.
  1. Position the lower ball joint into the wheel knuckle and install the new nut.
  1. NOTICE: Do not tighten the wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

    NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

    Using the previously removed wheel hub nut, seat the halfshaft.
  1. NOTICE: The wheel hub nut contains a one-time locking chemical that is activated by the heat created when it is tightened. Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification within 5 minutes of starting it on the threads. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightened within the specified time or damage to the components can occur.

    NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

    Install a new wheel hub nut.
  1. Install the front wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .