Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual - part 574

SA0E4–01

FA1535

SST

W03093

W03142

W03143

LH

SA–16

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

1064

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

REMOVAL

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

SST

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

1.

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

2.

REMOVE DRIVE SHAFT LOCK NUT

(a)

Remove the cotter pin and lock cap.

(b)

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

3.

DRAIN ATF

4.

DISCONNECT TIE  ROD END FROM STEERING
KNUCKLE (See page 

SA–9

)

5.

DISCONNECT LOWER BALL JOINT FROM LOWER
SUSPENSION ARM (See page 

SA–9

)

6.

DISCONNECT DRIVE SHAFT FROM AXLE HUB

(a)

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

NOTICE:
Cover the drive shaft boot with cloth to protect it from dam-
age.
(b)

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

7.

REMOVE LH DRIVE SHAFT

(a)

Using a brass bar and hammer, remove the snap ring, and
remove the drive shaft.

W03144

RH

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

SA–17

1065

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following items.

Coat gear oil to the inboard joint shaft and differential
case sliding surface.

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

Whether or not the inboard joint shaft is making contact
with the pinion shaft can be known by the sound or feeling
when driving it in.

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

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.

8.

REMOVE RH DRIVE SHAFT

(a)

Remove the bearing lock bolt.
Torque: 32 N·m (330 kgf·cm, 24 ft·lbf)

(b)

Using pliers, remove the snap ring and drive shaft.

HINT:
At the time of installation, coat gear oil to the inboard joint shaft
and differential case sliding surface.

SA0E5–01

R14967

W03190

Matchmarks

SA0689

SA–18

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

1066

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

DISASSEMBLY

1.

CHECK DRIVE SHAFT

(a)

Check to see that there is no play in the outboard joint
shaft.

(b)

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

(c)

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

(d)

Check for damage to boots.

2.

REMOVE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD JOINT BOOT
CLAMPS

(a)

Using pliers, draw the hook together and remove the
large inboard joint boot clamp and remove them.

(b)

Using a side cutter, cut the small inboard and 2 outboard
joint boot clamps and remove them.

3.

REMOVE INBOARD JOINT SHAFT FROM OUTBOARD
JOINT SHAFT

(a)

Place matchmarks on the inboard and outboard joint
shafts.

NOTICE:
Do not punch the marks.
(b)

Using a snap ring expander, pull out the outboard joint
shaft expanding the snap ring.

4.

REMOVE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD JOINT BOOTS

Slide out the 2 boots.
5.

LH DRIVE SHAFT:
REMOVE DUST COVER

Using a screwdriver and hammer, remove the dust cover from
the inboard joint shaft.

6.

RH DRIVE SHAFT:
REMOVE DUST COVER

Using a press, remove the dust cover from the inboard joint
shaft.

R09717

SST

SA1451

–

SUSPENSION AND AXLE

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

SA–19

1067

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

7.

RH DRIVE SHAFT:
DISASSEMBLE INBOARD JOINT SHAFT

(a)

Using SST and a press, remove the dust cover.
SST

09950–00020

(b)

Using a snap ring expander, remove the snap ring.

(c)

Using a press, remove the bearing.

(d)

Remove the snap ring.

8.

REMOVE NO.2 DUST DEFLECTOR

(a)

Mount outboard joint shaft in a soft jaw vise.

(b)

Using a screwdriver and hammer, remove the No.2 dust
deflector.

NOTICE:
Be careful not to damage the ABS speed sensor rotor.