1. Check the inboard boot (A) and the outboard boot (B) on the driveshaft (C) for cracks, damage, leaking grease, and loose boot bands (D). If any damage is found, replace the boot and boot bands.
2. Turn the driveshaft by hand, and make sure the splines (E) and joint are not excessively loose.
3. Make sure the driveshaft is not twisted or cracked; if it is, replace it.
Front Driveshaft Removal
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift, and remove the front wheels.
2. Lift up the locking tab (A) on the spindle nut (B), then remove the nut.
3. If you need to remove the left driveshaft, drain the transmission fluid. It is not necessary to drain the transmission fluid when the right driveshaft is removed.
4. Disconnect the driveshaft outboard joint from the front wheel hub using a plastic hammer.
5. Remove the nuts and bolt, then separate the lower arm with a prybar.
6. Pull the knuckle outward, and remove the driveshaft outboard joint from the front wheel hub.
7. Left driveshaft: Pry the inboard joint (A) from the differential case with a prybar. Pull the driveshaft straight out to avoid damaging the oil seal.
Right drives haft: Drive the inboard joint (A) off of the intermediate shaft with a drift and hammer.
Remove the driveshaft as an assembly. Do not pull on the driveshaft (B), because the inboard joint may come apart.
Left driveshaft
Right driveshaft
Boot Band Removal
NOTE: When removing the boot bands, be careful not to damage the boot.
Welded Type
1. Cut the boot band (A), then remove the boot band.
Dpuble Loop Type
1. Lift up the band end (A), then push it into the clip (B), then remove the boot band.
Low Profile Type
1. Pinch the boot band using commercially available boot band pliers (A), then remove the boot band.
Ear Clamp Type
1. Lift up the three tabs (A) with a screwdriver, then remove the boot band.