Drive shaft removal issue?

JAZEAGLER

MEMBER
2010 JEEP WRANGLER
121,208 MILES

I’m trying to remove the front (4wd) drive shaft off my vehicle. The rear facing section is already removed and the 4 bolts on the front facing section are off. I’m not sure what is holding the front facing part of the drive shaft on, but it will not come off no matter what I do. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,186 POSTS

Sure, here is the instructions on how to remove the front driveshaft, also you will need to mark the orientation before removal. If you have the bolts removed, you may need to "shock" the driveshaft loose, but it has rusted to the differential. I would spray WD40 and let it sit for a few hours and then tap the driveshaft flange, do not strike the drive shaft tube. Please check out the images below:

REMOVAL

1. With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on hoist.
2. Mark an installation reference line across the front propeller shaft CV joint (1) and transfer case flange (2).

3. Mark an installation reference line across the front propeller shaft flange (1) and the axle flange (2).

4. Remove the axle flange (1) bolts (2).

5. Remove the CV joint bolts (1) and retainers (2).
6. Compress the propeller shaft enough to remove the shaft from the flanges.

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

Images (Click to make bigger)