Contents: Removal ⇊ Installation ⇊
Removal
1. Loosen the left front wheel mounting nuts. Jack up the front of the car and place it on supports. Remove the wheel.
2. Drain the transmission oil (see Chapter Routine maintenance).
3. Release the lower control arm of the suspension from the steering knuckle (see Chapter Suspension and steering).
4. Using a lever, release the inner CV joint journal from the intermediate shaft assembly. Move the drive shaft to the side and tie it to the suspension element with wire (do not under any circumstances leave the drive shaft hanging on the outer CV joint!).
5. Remove the three bolts securing the intermediate shaft bearing support to the engine block (see accompanying illustration). Remove the shaft from the transmission, being careful not to damage the differential seal.
6. Check the freedom of rotation of the support bearing (holding the bearing, rotate the shaft). If jerks and jamming points are detected, the shaft assembly should be delivered to a car service workshop, since the bearing replacement is performed using a special tool.
Installation
1. Lubricate the seal lips in the transmission housing with universal grease. Carefully insert the intermediate shaft journal into the differential side gear socket. Screw in the bearing support mounting bolts and tighten them to the required torque.
2. Install a new snap ring onto the inner CV joint journal of the drive shaft (see illustrations 1a and 1b), then insert the journal into the intermediate shaft assembly.
3. Connect the lower suspension arm to the steering knuckle, tighten to the required torque (see Specifications to the Chapter Suspension and steering) ball joint pin nut.
4. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel nuts to the required torque (see Specifications to the Chapter Routine maintenance).
5. Fill the transmission with the required amount of oil of the required grade (see Chapter Routine maintenance).