Repair Procedures: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Kia Sportage and 2012 Kia Sportage. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.
Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
Remove the front wheel and tire (A) from front hub.
Tightening torque:

88.3 - 107.8 N.m (9.0 - 11.0kgf.m, 65.0 - 79.5 lb-ft)

Fig 1: Identifying Front Wheel & Tire
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage to the hub bolts when removing the front wheel and tire (A).
Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts, and then hold the brake caliper assembly (B) with wire.
Tightening torque:

78.4 - 98.0 N.m (8.0 - 10.0kgf.m, 57.8 - 72.3 lb-ft)

Fig 2: Identifying Brake Caliper Assembly
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove castle nut (A) from the front hub.
Tightening torque:

196.1 - 274.5 N.m (20.0 - 28.0kgf.m, 144.6 - 202.5 lb-ft)

Fig 3: Identifying Front Hub Castle Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: The washer (B) should be assembled with convex surface outward when installing the castle nut (A) and split pin (C) Also, don't reuse split pin (C) when reassembling.

Fig 4: Identifying Castle Nut, Washer & Split Pin
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the brake hose (A) and wheel speed sensor (B).
Tightening torque:

6.8 - 10.8 N.m (0.7 - 1.1kgf.m, 5.1 - 7.9 lb-ft)

Fig 5: Identifying Brake Hose & Wheel Speed Sensor Bracket
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the tie rod end ball joint (C) from the knuckle.
1. Remove the split pin (A).
2. Remove the castle nut (B).
Tightening torque:

34.3 - 44.1 N.m (3.5 - 4.5kgf.m, 25.3 - 32.5 lb-ft)

Fig 6: Identifying Tie Rod End Ball Joint, Split Pin & Castle Nut
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Apply a few drops of oil to the special tool. (Boot contact part)
Remove the lower arm (A) mounting bolt from the knuckle.
Tightening torque:

98.0 - 117.6 N.m (10.0 - 12.0kgf.m, 72.3 - 86.7 lb-ft)

Fig 7: Identifying Lower Arm
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the drive shaft end (A) from the knuckle.

Fig 8: Identifying Drive Shaft End
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the driveshaft assembly (A) from the inner shaft.

Fig 9: Removing Driveshaft Assembly
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Remove the inner shaft mounting bolts and then disconnect the inner shaft (A).

Fig 10: Identifying Inner Shaft Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Insert a pry bar (A) between the transaxle case and joint case, and separate the driveshaft (B) from the transaxle case.

Fig 11: Separating Driveshaft From Transaxle Case
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Install in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION:

Use a pry bar (A) being careful not to damage the transaxle and joint.
Do not insert the pry bar (A) too deep, as this may cause damage to the oil seal.
Do not pull the driveshaft by excessive force it may cause components inside the joint kit to dislodge resulting in a torn boot or a damaged bearing.
Plug the hole of the transaxle case with the oil seal cap to prevent contamination.
Support the driveshaft properly.
Replace the retainer ring whenever the driveshaft is removed from the transaxle case.