Before driving out the axle shaft, make sure that you have the special retainer ring/seal installer tool for reassembly. Start with the removal of the wheel lug nuts, lifting of the automobile and positioning it on jackstands before you eliminate the respective wheel. If you have one, remove the hub lock bearing in mind that many modern day 4 wheel drive cars do not have front locking hubs. After that, take off the brake caliper, disconnect the ABS sensor if there is one, and put all of it aside. To remove the snap ring for 1998 and 1999 models, and 2000 models equipped with pulse vacuum hubs, use the snap ring pliers and remove the plastic retainer ring from the end of the axle shaft then discard then install a new one each time to avoid damaging them. On all 2000 models that do not have Pulse Vacuum Hubs and on all vehicles manufactured after 2000, remove the axle shaft / hub nut. You are going to need a large screwdriver or pry bar for this. Hold the axle shaft in place with the screwdriver or pry bar while you unscrew the nut. Place the floor jack securely below the outer end of the lower control arm and unbolt the upper control arm - at the ball joint to the steering knuckle end - nut and the pinch bolt to detach the upper arm from the knuckle, while the jack remains in position. To remove the axle shaft assembly from the steering knuckle, turn the knuckle out and compress the outer
CV Joint, and pull out the axle shaft assembly; if it is stuck fit in a brass hammer or two-jaw puller. Turning the latter loose, release the outer CV joint out of the hub. To remove the axle, use a prybar or slide hammer with an adapter from the CV joint, and be careful not to damage the inner CV joint assembly; to prevent the axle from falling, sae with wire. Last, but not the least take the axle shaft off from the vehicle. As for installation, reverse the above procedure, and when putting on a new retainer ring make sure it is placed on the installer tool, and slide it onto the splines of the axle shaft and use the seal remover guide to push it in until it clicks. Ensure that the retainer ring sits down properly so as not to produce leaks or contaminate the mixture. New for 2000 models that did not come with Pulse Vacuum Hubs or for any 2001 or newer model, place a new axle shaft/hub nut and torque it to proper specification so as to complete the insertion.