Drive Axle Assembly Removal and Installation: Installation

NOTE: Do not damage the seals.

Clean the hub seal and the transaxle seal.
Install the drive axle into the transaxle.
Install the wheel hub onto the axle shaft.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Hub
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Install the tie rod into the knuckle/strut and install the tie rod nut.
Tighten:

Tighten the tie rod nut to 55 N.m (41 lb-ft).

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rod Into Knuckle/Strut
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
Tighten:

Tighten the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut to 60 N.m (44 lb-ft).

Fig 3: Identifying Lower Ball Joint Pinch Bolt And Nut
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Loosely install a new axle shaft caulking nut. Always use a new nut.

Fig 4: Identifying Axle Shaft Caulking Nut
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Install the wheels. Loosely install the nuts. Refer to WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Lower the vehicle to the floor.
Tighten:

Tighten the wheel nuts to 100 N.m (74 lb-ft).
Tighten the axle shaft caulking nut to 300 N.m (221 lb-ft).
Peen the caulking nut with a punch and a hammer until the nut is locked into place on the axle shaft hub.
Refill the transaxle fluid to the proper level. Refer to TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING PROCEDURE or CHECKING FLUID LEVEL .

Fig 5: Identifying Wheel Hub
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.