OEM 2002 Toyota Avalon Axle Shaft

2002 Toyota Avalon Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install the axle shaft on 2002 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Start the axle shaft removal process by supporting the hub bearing with Special Service Tool: 09608-16042 and overlapping tools 09608-02021 and 09608-02041 when the vehicle weight rests on them. Disconnection of the drive shaft from the axle hub requires extreme caution because it could damage the ABS speed sensor rotor serration. Start by tightening the front wheel to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) then proceed to remove the front fender apron seal while draining the ATF from the system. The installation process starts with unlocking the drive shaft lock nut through its cotter pin followed by lock cap removal. The technician must apply brake pressure prior to nut removal at 294 Nm (3,000 kgf-cm, 217 ft. lbs.). The process starts with using a plastic hammer to disconnect three components: the tie rod end from the steering knuckle and the lower suspension arm from the lower ball joint along with the drive shaft from the axle hub while guarding against any boot or ABS speed sensor rotor damage. To remove the LH drive shaft's hub nut use a hub nut wrench alongside a hammer handle or equivalent tools while maintaining the dust cover and oil seal from damage. For drive shaft installation apply gear oil to both the inboard joint shaft and differential case sliding surface followed by downward orientation of the snap ring opening component while testing pinion shaft touch by sound then inspecting stated axial movement amount between 2-3mm (0.08-0.12 inches) and confirming manual resistance against drive shaft removal. The RH drive shaft requires removal of the bearing lock bolt at 32 Nm torque (330 kgf-cm, 24 ft. lbs.) followed by snap ring and drive shaft extraction with pliers yet maintaining caution to avoid harming the dust cover and oil seal. The reversing steps for installation should be followed together with ABS speed sensor signal and front wheel alignment checks after installing the components. The zero point calibration of the steering angle sensor must be performed in vehicles that have VSC.