OEM 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Axle Shaft

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install the axle shaft on 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder?

  A: The axle shaft removal and installation process requires the hub bearing to rest on Special Service Tool: 09608-16042 (09608-02021, 09608-02041), except when placing the vehicle weight on it. Initially detach the rear wheel and torque it to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) before moving on to the engine under covers and draining the gear oil. Users must remove the drive shaft lock nut with Special Service Tool: 09930-0010 and a hammer while braking before tightening it to 216 Nm (2,200 kgf-cm, 159 ft. lbs.) for new lock nut installation. The flexible hose should be taken off from the shock absorber after tightening its bolt to 29 Nm (296 kgf-cm, 21 ft. lbs.) then the nuts on the lower shock absorber side should be loosened to 173 Nm (1,765 kgf-cm, 128 ft. lbs.) while keeping the bolts installed. The repair process requires disconnecting the strut rod from the rear axle carrier by removing its bolt and nut then torquing them to 78 Nm (796 kgf-cm, 58 ft. lbs.) without rotating the nut and tightening the bolt after the suspension stabilizes. Remove and disconnect the No. 1 lower suspension arm by removing its bolt and nut then torque the bolt to 103 Nm (1,051 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) without turning the nut before readjusting the bolt after stabilizing the suspension. The removal process of the No. 2 lower suspension arm's nut entails 49 Nm tension (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft. lbs.) using a new nut and proper torque application should happen only after suspension stabilization completes. The Special Service Tool 09610-20012 must be used to detach the No. 2 lower suspension arm. Apply engine oil to the nut threads before installing only the bottom shock absorber components including bolt, nut along with two washers. Use a plastic hammer to separate the drive shaft from the axle hub but maintain protection for the boot along with the ABS speed sensor rotor. To remove the RH drive shaft begin by unbolt its center bearing bracket then extract the shaft with its bearing case while torquing to 64 Nm (650 kgf-cm, 47 ft. lbs.) yet maintain caution toward the oil seal and dust cover. To remove the LH drive shaft use a brass bar along with a hammer but protect the oil seal and dust cover from damage while applying gear oil to the inboard joint shaft as well as differential case sliding surfaces during the installation process. A downward orientation of the snap ring installation should be performed while verifying a 2 - 3 mm (0.08 - 0.12 inch) axial clearance and preventing drive shaft removal by hand. To complete the operation use a screwdriver for removing the snap ring positioned on the inboard joint shaft. Installation should start from reversing the removal steps and a test of ABS speed sensor signals with wheel alignment checks should follow this process.