Lexus RX300 (MCU15). Service manual — part 544

SA16V–02

F14054

z

Non–reusable part

N·m (kgf·cm, ft·lbf)

: Specified torque

Front Fender Apron Seal

Drive Shaft (RH)

z

Snap Ring

Front Fender Apron Seal

z

Snap Ring

z

Boot Clamp

Lower
Suspension Arm

Drive Shaft (LH)

Tie Rod End

z

Cotter Pin

ABS Speed
Sensor

8.0 (82, 71 in.·lbf)

z

Cotter Pin

Lock Cap

294 (3,000, 217)

z

Boot

z

Snap Ring

z

Dust Cover

z

Outer Snap Ring

Inboard Joint Shaft

Cage

Ball

Inner Race

z

Snap Ring

z

No. 2 Dust

Deflector

Outboard Joint
Shaft

Inboard Joint Shaft

z

Dust Cover

z

Outer Snap Ring

LH

49 (500, 36)

SA–16

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

LEXUS RX300 (RM785E)

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

COMPONENTS

FA1535

SST

SA16W–02

F14046

F14055

F04016

SST

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

SA–17

LEXUS RX300 (RM785E)

REMOVAL

NOTICE:

S

The hub bearing could be damaged if it is subjected
to the vehicle weight, such as when moving the ve-
hicle with the drive shaft removed.
Therefore, if it is absolutely necessary to place the ve-
hicle weight on the hub bearing, first support it with
the SST.
SST

09608–16042 (09608–02021, 09608–02041)

S

After disconnecting the drive shaft from the axle hub,
work carefully so as not to damage the ABS speed
sensor rotor serration on the drive shaft.

1.

REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 N·m (1,050 kgf·cm, 76 ft·lbf)

2.

DRAIN ATF

3.

REMOVE FRONT FENDER APRON SEAL

4.

REMOVE BOLT AND ABS SPEED SENSOR
Torque: 8.0 N·m (82 kgf·cm, 71 in.·lbf)

5.

REMOVE DRIVE SHAFT LOCK NUT

(a)

Remove the cotter pin and lock cap.

(b)

While applying the brakes, remove the nut.
Torque: 294 N·m (3,000 kgf·cm, 217 ft·lbf)

6.

DISCONNECT TIE ROD END FROM STEERING
KNUCKLE (See page SA–10)

7.

DISCONNECT LOWER BALL JOINT FROM LOWER
SUSPENSION ARM (See page SA–10)

8.

DISCONNECT DRIVE SHAFT FROM AXLE HUB

(a)

Using a plastic hammer, disconnect the drive shaft from
the axle hub.

NOTICE:
Be careful not to damage the boot and ABS speed sensor
rotor.
(b)

Push the front axle hub toward the outside of the vehicle
to separate the drive shaft from the axle hub.

9.

REMOVE DRIVE SHAFT

(a)

Using SST, remove the drive shaft.
SST

09520–01010, 09520–24010 (09520–32040)

NOTICE:
Be careful not to damage the oil seal and dust cover.
HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following items.

S

Apply gear oil to the inboard joint shaft and differential
case sliding surfaces.

SA–18

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

LEXUS RX300 (RM785E)

S

Before installing the drive shaft, set the snap ring with its
opening side facing downward.

S

Whether inboard joint shaft is in contact with pinion shaft
or not can be known from the sound or feeling.

S

After installation, check that there is 2 – 3 mm (0.08 – 0.12
in.) of play in the axial direction.

S

After installation, check that the drive shaft cannot be re-
moved by hand.

(b)

Using a screwdriver, remove the snap ring from the in-
board joint shaft.

R10435

SA16X–02

F04011

Matchmarks

F04012

F02792

Matchmarks

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

SA–19

LEXUS RX300 (RM785E)

DISASSEMBLY

1.

CHECK DRIVE SHAFT

(a)

Check to see that there is no remarkable play in the out-
board joint.

(b)

Check to see that the inboard joint slides smoothly in the
thrust direction.

(c)

Check to see that there is no remarkable play in the radial
direction of the inboard joint.

(d)

Check the boots for damage.

2.

REMOVE INBOARD JOINT BOOT CLAMPS

(a)

Using a screwdriver, remove the 2 boot clamps.

(b)

Slide the inboard joint boot toward outboard joint.

3.

REMOVE INBOARD JOINT SHAFT

(a)

Place matchmarks on the outboard joint shaft and in-
board joint shaft.

NOTICE:
Do not punch the marks.

(b)

Using a screwdriver, remove the snap ring.

(c)

Remove the inboard joint shaft from the outboard joint
shaft.

4.

DISASSEMBLE OUTBOARD JOINT SHAFT

(a)

Place the matchmarks on the outboard joint shaft, inner
race and cage.

(b)

Remove the 6 balls.

(c)

Slide the cage toward outboard joint.