LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Kia >> 2020 >> Optima EX >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 190 (Front Driveshaft Assembly) >> Front Driveshaft >> Repair Procedures >> Removal >> Notes
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Repair Procedures: Removal: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Kia Seltos. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Disconnect the (-) battery terminal.
  2. Remove the front wheel and tire.

    (Refer to Suspension System - "WHEEL ")

  3. Disconnect the tie rod end ball joint from the knuckle by using the SST.
    1. Remove the snap pin (A).
    2. Remove the lock nut (B).

      Tightening torque: 

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

      G13481113Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
      NOTE: Do not reuse lock nut.
    3. Disconnect the tie rod end ball joint from the knuckle by using the SST (09568-1S100).
    G13481114Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    CAUTION: Secure the SST (09568-1S100) with a wire and use it.
  4. Loosen the lower arm mounting bolt and nut.

    Tightening torque: 

    58.8 - 70.6 N.m (6.0 - 7.2 kgf.m, 43.4 - 52.1 lb.ft)

    G13481115Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  5. Detach the front lower arm from the front knuckle using the SST (0K545-A9100).
    1. After removing bolts from the front knuckle, install and tighten the sub body bolt (A).
      G13481116Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    2. Insert the sub body (B) between the front knuckle and the sub body bolt.
    3. Tighten the bolt (C) sub body to broaden the gap of the front knuckle.
      G13481117Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    4. Install the main body (A) after fixing it with a wire to prevent SST from falling.
      G13481118Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    5. After installing the body (A), rotate the handle (B) clockwise until the clamp is fixed on the lower arm.
      G13481119Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    6. Tighten the main body bolt (A) slowly and remove the lower arm from the front knuckle.
    G13481120Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  6. By hammering on a chisel, unlock the driveshaft lock hub nut caulking.
    G13481121Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: If there is screw thread (A) on the end of the nut, unlock the caulking by using a chisel and then loosen the nut to prevent damaging driveshaft screw thread.
    G13481122Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the front brake caliper assembly.

    (Refer to Brake System - "FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ")

  8. Remove the caulking nut (A) from the front axle.

    Tightening torque: 

    274.6 - 294.2 N.m (28.0 - 30.0 kgf.m, 202.5 - 217.0 lb.ft)

    G13481123Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE:
    • The driveshaft lock nut must be replaced with new one. When replacing the drive lock hub nut, use only the nut with screw thread (A) on the end.
      G13481124Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    • When replacing the drive lock hub nut, use only the nut with screw thread (A) on the end.
      G13481125Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    • Tighten the driveshaft lock hub nut to the specified tightening torque, and caulk by using a chisel and hammer.
    • If there are two key seats, perform on all two seats.

      Caulking depth (A):  1.5 mm (0.0591 in)

      G13481126Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  9. Separate the driveshaft from the front axle hub by using the SST (09517-4E000).
    G13481127Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE: Removing the driveshaft, do not force pull or over deflect the axle.
  10. Remove the driveshaft (B) by using the pry bar (A).
    G13481128Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE:
    • Do not insert the pry bar too deep, as this may damage the oil seal.
    • Do not pull the driveshaft by excessive force as it may cause components inside the joint kit to dislodge resulting in a torn boot or a damaged bearing.
    • When using the pry bar, be careful not to damage the transaxle and joint.
    • Plug the hole of the transaxle case with the oil seal cap to prevent contamination.
    • Be careful not to damage the stabilizer link boots and ball joint boots.
    • Replace the retainer ring whenever the driveshaft is removed from the transaxle.