OEM 2009 Toyota Prius Axle Shaft

2009 Toyota Prius Axle Shaft Parts Q&A

• Q: How to remove and replace the axle shaft assembly on 2009 Toyota Prius?

  A: Draining the transaxle oil requires a 10 mm socket hexagon wrench which enables the removal of the drain plug and gasket before refitting with new gasket at a torque of 39 Nm (400 kgf-cm, 29 ft-lbf). The first procedure requires removing the front wheel and then the front axle hub nut LH by unstaking it with Special Service Tool: 09930-00010 and hitting it with a hammer while avoiding damage to the front drive shaft LH threads. This step is followed by using a 30 mm socket wrench to loosen the hub nut. Disconnection of front speed sensor LH requires the bolt and speed sensor wire as well as the flexible hose clamp removal from the shock absorber before eliminating bolt and sensor from steering knuckle while maintaining both ends clean of foreign objects. To disconnect the tie rod end sub-assembly LH remove both the clip and castle nut and employ Special Service Tool: 09628-00011 to separate it from the steering knuckle without causing damage to either the front disc brake dust cover or the ball joint dust cover. The disconnect process of the lower front ball joint requires you to remove the bolt and two nuts from the No. 1 front suspension arm sub-assembly lower LH before pushing down the arm. A plastic-faced hammer strikes the front drive shaft end LH to disconnect it however a brass bar with hammer may be needed alongside to push the front axle assembly LH outward until the drive shaft can be extracted while avoiding damage to the outboard joint boot and speed sensor rotor. The technician removes the front drive shaft assembly LH after removing the front fender apron seal and using Special Service Tool: 09520-01010 for shaft extraction before damaging the oil seal or boot. The procedures for front drive shaft assembly RH need to be followed identically. To avoid hub bearing damages during service of the front axle assembly LH use Special Service Tools: 09608-16042, 09608-02021 or 09608-02041 which will allow the axle to sustain vehicle weight. The final inspection checks the front drive shaft assembly LH for directional loose movement along with examination of joint boot leaks and search for damage or cracks of the drive shaft while it maintains a level position.