Removal/refitting

REMOVAL/REFITTING

The following procedure refers to removal/refitting of the lefthand axle shaft. However, it is possible to wholly follow this procedure also for removing the righthand axle shaft.

• Set the car on a lift.
• Remove the left front wheel.

1. Slacken the screws fastening the left axle shaft to the differential support and disconnect it retrieving the safety plates.
2. Remove the caulking and slacken the nut fastening the axle shaft constant velocity joint to the wheel hub. When refitting, tighten the nut fastening the axle shaft to the wheel hub as described in GROUP 44 - Wheels and hubs - "Front wheel upright (Boxer versions)".

38 ÷ 42 Nm
3.9 ÷ 4.3 kgm

• Pull out the axle shaft and remove it.

DIS-ASSEMBLY OF JOINT ON GEARBOX SIDE

• Fasten the axle shaft in a vice fitted with protective jaws.
• Remove the clamps of the gearbox side boot.

1. Back off the boot on the axle shaft.

REMOVAL/REFITTING (CONT'D)

2. Remove the safety plates located on the inner cover after removing the corresponding screws.
3. Remove the outer cover using a punch.

Change the boot and clamps when re-assembling.

DIS-ASSEMBLY OF JOINT ON GEARBOX SIDE (CONT'D)

• Make a reference mark on the outer ring, on the cage and on the core of the joint to reposition correctly when re-assembling.
• Remove the flexible retainer ring.

1. Working under the press with two half plates and a punch, remove the constant velocity joint from the axle shaft.

DIS-ASSEMBLY OF JOINT ON GEARBOX SIDE (CONT'D)

• Slide the protective boot off the axle shaft and remove the inner cover from the constant velocity joint.
• Remove the two seal rings from the joint outer ring.

1. Remove the balls from the joint.
2. Remove the core and cage turning them suitably in the outer ring and separate them.

CHECKS

Degrease the joint components with fuel oil and check the balls and their housings for traces of wear and cracks. Check the shaft for distortion, cracks and signs of wear.