When removing the axle shaft, it is important to ensure that for reassembly you have a special retainer ring/seal installer. First of all, remove the wheel lug nuts, then jack up the car and well settle it on the jackstands then unbolt the wheel concerned. If so remove the hub lock noting that; many later model 4WD cars do not have front locking hubs. Third, unlock the brake caliper and pull it off and disconnect the ABS sensor and set it along with the cables away. On 2000 models with pulse vacuum hubs: 1) Place the snap-ring pliers in the groove which has the plastic retainer ring and remove and discard this ring from the end of the axle shaft. This ring is best removed and replaced whenever it is damaged for it to hold its efficiency and effectiveness to the user. For the 2000 models which are not equipped with pulse vacuum hubs and all the 2001 and later models, first remove and then dispose of the axle shaft/hub nut, and make sure that while reinstalling a new nut is used. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and unbolt the upper control arm balljoint-to-steering knuckle nut and pinch bolt in order to disconnect the upper arm from the knuckle. In order to remove the axle shaft assembly that attach on the steering knuckle to swing out the knuckle till the outer CV joint is compressed to be pulled out. If the splines of the axle shaft are stuck it swinging freely then use a brass hammer or a two jaw puller. After loose, slowly steer the outer CV joint out of the hub. Acceptable tools: prybar, slide hammer with CV joint adapter to remove the inner CV joint assembly from the front differential; do not damage it and suspend the axle with wire to prevent its hanging. Last but not the least, this involves taking out the axle shaft from the vehicle in question. For installation simply work in the reverse order as removal; before that, it will be necessary to replace the retainer ring for 2000 models with Pulse Vacuum Hubs using the special tool to inset the retainer as far as possible until an audible click is heard. Ensure the retainer ring is properly placed in order to avoid leakage and contamination. For 2000 models without Pulse Vacuum Hubs or any 2001 and later model, replace with a new axle shaft/hub nut and tighten to the recommended torque thus ending the installation process.
