OEM 2001 Toyota Prius Axle Shaft

2001 Toyota Prius Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: Prior to shaft axle removal and installation the hub bearing needs support from Special Service Tool: 09608-16042 (09608-02021, 09608-02041) in case the vehicle weight needs to be rested on it. The complementary set of tasks includes wheel removal with 103 Nm torque followed by engine cover detachment and ATF drainage. Apply brakes when using Special Service Tool: 09930-00010 and a hammer to unstake and remove the drive shaft lock nut until reaching torque of 216 Nm (2,200 kgf-cm, 159 ft. lbs.). When disconnecting the tie rod end from its position on the steering knuckle through nut removal followed by removal of the cotter pin at 49 Nm (500 kgf-cm, 36 ft. lbs.), adjust the nut torque more tightly to reach 60 if hole misalignment occurs when installing the cotter pin. The Special Service Tool: 09628-62011 should be used to disconnect the tie rod end. The lower ball joint needs to be removed from the lower suspension arm through the dismantling of 2 nuts and bolt at 142 Nm torque (1,450 kgf-cm, 105 ft. lbs.). A red plastic hammer should be used to disconnect the drive shaft from the axle hub while safeguarding against boot and ABS speed sensor rotor damage. Use Special Service Tools 09520-01010 and 09520-24010 (09520-32040) to remove the drive shaft with caution applied to the oil seal and dust cover protection. Install gear oil on both the inboard joint shaft and differential case sliding surfaces before properly placing the snap ring orientation down and making sure the inboard joint shaft reaches the pinion shaft. An installed measurement should verify the drive shaft exhibits 2 - 3 mm (0.08 - 0.12 inch) of axial play while preventing manual removal of the shaft. To finish installation you must remove the inboard joint shaft snap ring then finish in the reverse order by checking ABS speed sensor signal and front wheel alignment.