UNITIZED TRANSAXLE
Axle Shaft
18
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR THIS SECTION
Hydraulic floor jack (or chain hoist)
Torque wrench, 3/8-in. drive
1/2-in. combination wrench
Jack stands (2) (one ton capacity)
3/8-in. socket, 3/8-in. drive
9/16-in. combination wrench
Standard slip joint pliers
7/16-in. socket, 3/8-in. drive
Small flat blade screwdriver
External snap ring pliers (.047-in. tip)
1/2-in. socket, 3/8-in. drive
Medium flat blade screwdrivers (2)
90° Internal snap ring pliers (.090-in. tip)
9/16-in. socket, 3/8-in. drive
No. 2 phillips-head screwdriver
16-in. rolling head prybar
5/8-in. socket, 3/8- in. drive
1/4-in. nut driver
Plastic or rubber mallet
Axle seal tool (CCI P/N 1014162)
5/16-in. nut driver
Ratchet wrench, 3/8-in. drive
7/16-in. combination wrench
LUBRICATION
There are two oil port plugs located on the right (driven clutch) side of the unitized transaxle
When the vehicle is on a level surface, use the upper plug as a lubricant level indicator. Lubricant level should be even
with the bottom of level indicator hole. Use the lower plug for draining. When draining lubricant, remove both plugs to
allow the lubricant to drain faster. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and gasket before filling the transaxle with new
lubricant. Use a funnel when filling the transaxle through the lubricant level indicator hole. Fill with 27 oz. (0.8 liter)
80-90 WT. API class GL or 80-90 WT. AGMA class 5 EP gear lubricant (or until lubricant begins to run out of the level
indicator hole). Tighten the plug to 20 ft-lb (27.1 N·m).
AXLE SHAFT
See General Warning on page 10-1.
Removal of the unitized transaxle is not required for servicing or replacing axle shafts, axle bearings, or axle shaft oil
seals. If the unitized transaxle is to be removed from the vehicle, do not remove the wheels, axle shafts, or axle tubes
first. Instructions for removing the unitized transaxle from the vehicle begin on page 18-8.
AXLE SHAFT AND OIL SEAL REMOVAL
1.
Turn the key switch to the OFF position and remove the key, place the Forward/Reverse handle in the NEUTRAL
position, and chock the wheels.
2.
Disconnect battery and spark plug wire(s).
See Disconnecting the Battery – Gasoline Vehicles, Section 10,
3.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel to be removed.
4.
Place chocks at the front wheels and lift the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack. Then place jack stands
under the axle tubes to support the vehicle.
See WARNING “Lift only one end of the vehicle...” in General
5.
Remove the rear wheel and brake drum.
6.
Use 90° internal snap ring pliers (0.090-in. tip) to remove internal retaining ring (1) from axle tube
.
7.
Carefully pull the axle shaft (2) straight out of the axle tube
.
2009 FE 350 Maintenance and Service Supplement
Page 18-3
