For 1990-2009 cars

## Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement Left Side

#### Tools Required

• | SA91100C Tie Rod Separator

• | SA91112T Axle Seal Protector

• | SA91113T Axle Seal Installer

• | SA9132S Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Separator

• | SA9133T Axle Seal Puller

Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

1. Position the vehicle on the hoist.
2. Raise the vehicle.
3. Remove the left front wheel.
4. Drain the transaxle fluid.
5. Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint and discard. Loosen the nut and back off until the top of the nut is even with the top of the threads.

Notice: On ABS equipped vehicles, the outer CV joint has a speed sensor ring. Using the incorrect tool or procedure to separate the control arm from the knuckle can damage the ring, resulting in a loss of ABS operation.

Notice: Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.

6. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the SA9132S and remove the nut.
7. Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle.

7.1. | Remove the cotter pin and discard.

7.2. | Remove the nut.

7.3. | Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle using the SA91100C .

8. Remove the left inner splash shield.

Notice: Be careful not to damage axle deflector ring.

9. Separate the axle from the transaxle using a large screwdriver or appropriate pry bar.
10. Remove the axle seal retainer snap ring.
11. Using the SA9133T , remove the seal by threading the puller through the steel seal body as close to the outside diameter as possible. Right side shown, left side similar.

### Installation Procedure

1. Clean the seal bore in the housing.
2. Apply a light bead of Loctite 515® Gasket Eliminator Sealant P/N 21005993 or equivalent on the diameter of the seal that presses into the case bore.

Notice: Prior to using Axle Seal Installer SA9113T inspect tool for any nicks or burrs that may damage seal lip.

3. Install the axle seal using the SA91113T . Place the seal on the tool and insert into the transaxle. Make sure to keep the seal lined up with the bore during installation. Automatic transaxle shown, manual transaxle similar.
4. Install the axle seal retainer snap ring so that the retainer opening is easily accessible.

Notice: Use caution not to damage seal while installing axle into transaxle.

5. Install the SA91112T , indicated by the arrow, inside the seal.
6. Install the axle into the transaxle.
7. After the shaft splines clear the seal, but before snapping the axle into place, remove the seal protector tool.
8. Push the axle all the way into the transaxle.

Notice: Take care not to damage rubber boot when installing ball joint to knuckle.

9. Clean and lubricate the ball joint threads.
10. Position the ball joint into the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Important: Align the slot in the nut to the cotter pin hole.

11. Install the nut to the lower ball joint and tighten.

Tighten
Tighten the front lower control arm ball stud-to-steering knuckle nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

Important: If necessary, after tightening , tighten the nut additionally to align the slot in the nut with the cotter pin hole in the ball joint, and install a new cotter pin, and bend.

12. Clean and lubricate the threads on the tie rod end.
13. Position the tie rod end into the steering knuckle.
14. Install the nut to the tie rod end and tighten.

Tighten
Tighten the tie rod-to-steering knuckle nut to 25 N·m (19 lb ft) + 134°.

Notice: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

15. Position the wheel onto the hub.
16. Install the wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening procedure to make sure tighten is correct.

Tighten
Tighten the wheel lug nuts in a crisscross patter to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

Important: Clean and lubricate the fastener with Saturn Transaxle Fluid. Wipe off excess fluid and install.

17. Install the drain plug.

Tighten
Tighten the Transaxle drain plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

18. Fill the transaxle to proper level using Saturn Transaxle Fluid.

Fill
Saturn Transaxle Fluid 2.5 L (2.6 qt)

19. Check for proper fluid level using Transmission Fluid Check .