Front Driveshaft Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Kia Optima, 2007 Kia Magentis, 2006 Kia Optima, and 2006 Kia Magentis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle and remove the front wheel.
Tightening torque Nm (kgf.m, lb-ft):

90-110 (9.0-11.0, 65-85)

Fig 1: Removing Front Wheel
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the split pin (A), castle nut (B) and washer from the front hub assembly.
Tightening torque Nm (kgf.m, lb-ft):

200-280 (20-28, 145-203)

Fig 2: Identifying Split Pin, Castle Nut And Washer
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the ball joint assembly mounting bolt (A) from the knuckle.
Tightening torque Nm (kgf.m, lb-ft):

100-120 (10-12, 72-86)

Fig 3: Identifying Ball Joint Assembly Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Using a plastic hammer, disconnect driveshaft (A) from the front hub assembly (B).

Fig 4: Identifying Driveshaft And Front Hub Assembly
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
[2.7 MPI RH driveshaft only
1. Remove the heat protector (A).
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Heat Protector
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove the bearing & bracket assembly (A).
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Bearing & And Bracket Assembly
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Push the front hub assembly outward and separate the driveshaft from the hub assembly.
Insert a pry bar (B) between the transaxle case and joint, separate the driveshaft (A) from the transaxle assembly.

Fig 7: Identifying Pry Bar And Driveshaft
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION:
- Use a pry bar being careful not to damage the transaxle and joint.
- Do not insert a pry bar too deep, as this may cause damage to the oil seal.
- Do not pry on the driveshaft by excessive force it may cause components inside the joint kit to dislodge resulting in a torn boot or a damaged bearing.
Pull out the driveshaft from the transaxle case.
CAUTION:
- Plug the hole of the transaxle case with the oil seal cap to prevent contamination.
- Support the drive shaft properly.
- Replace the retainer ring whenever the drive-shaft is removed from the transaxle case.
Using the SST (09432-11000), remove the tone wheel.

Fig 8: Removing Tone Wheel
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Repeat on the other side of driveshaft.