OEM 2001 Toyota Avalon Axle Shaft

2001 Toyota Avalon Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install the axle shaft on 2001 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Start the axle shaft removal procedure by supporting the hub bearing with Special Service Tool: 09608-16042 (09608-02021, 09608-02041) when applying vehicle weight to the tool. It is essential to protect the ABS speed sensor rotor serration while you detach the drive shaft from the axle hub. Use a torque wrench to remove the front wheel at 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.), then detach the front fender apron seal before draining the ATF and taking out the drive shaft lock nut by removing its cotter pin and lock cap, finally applying brakes when removing the 294 Nm (3,000 kgf-cm, 217 ft. lbs.) nut. Perform tie rod end and steering knuckle separation and lower suspension arm-lower ball joint separation using a plastic hammer making sure to avoid the boot and ABS speed sensor rotor. You can uninstall the LH drive shaft hub nut using a hub nut wrench together with a hammer handle while ensuring protection of the dust cover and oil seal. When installing the drive shaft apply gear oil to the inboard joint shaft and differential case sliding surface while maintaining the snap ring opening side pointed downward then verify pinion shaft contact by listening or feeling and confirm 2 - 3 mm (0.08 - 0.12 inch) of axial play as well as check that the drive shaft will not come off by hand. The bearing lock bolt on the RH drive shaft requires a 32 Nm torque (330 kgf-cm, 24 ft. lbs.) after which snap ring removal using pliers enables drive shaft extraction with caution regarding dust cover and oil seal damage. The installation process reverses the steps of removal and requires verification of the ASS speed sensor signal and front wheel alignment followed by steering angle sensor zero point calibration if the vehicle has VSC.