Drive Axle Assembly Removal

Tools Required: 

KM-507-B Ball Joint Separator 

KM-460-A Axle Shaft Remover 

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheels. Refer to WHEEL AND TIRES -- VERONA .
3. Remove the axle shaft caulking nut. Discard the nut.
   Fig 1: Identifying Axle Shaft Caulking Nut

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
4. Remove the lower ball joint nut and bolt.
5. Separate the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint.
   CAUTION: Use only the recommended tool for separating the lower ball joint. Failure to use the recommended tool may cause damage to the ball joint and the seal.
   Fig 2: Separating Steering Knuckle From Lower Ball Joint

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
6. Remove the tie rod nut.
7. Separate the tie rod end using the ball joint separator KM-507-B.
   CAUTION: Use only the recommended tool for separating the tie rod from the knuckle / strut assembly. Failure to use the recommended tool may cause damage to the knuckle / strut assembly.
   Fig 3: Separating Tie Rod End Using Ball Joint Separator

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
8. Remove the drive axle from the intermediate axle shaft using the axle shaft remover KM-460-A.
   Fig 4: Identifying Axle Shaft Remover

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
9. Remove the intermediate axle shaft mounting bolts and the shaft from the transaxle.
   NOTE: Support the unfastened end of the drive axle. Do not allow the drive axle to dangle freely from the transaxle for any length of time after it has been removed from the wheel hub.
   NOTE: Place a drain pan below the transaxle to catch the escaping fluid. Cap the transaxle drive opening after the drive axle has been removed to keep the fluid in and any contamination out.
   Fig 5: Identifying Intermediate Axle Shaft Mounting Bolts

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.