The axle shaft is next removed by first removing the wheel cover or hub cover followed by loosening the axle shaft/hub nut using a socket and a breaker bar. Unscrew the wheel lug nuts, lift the vehicle on jackstands and take away the wheel. The second step is to remove the pushpins holding the splash apron in the fenderwell, split the control arm and steering knuckle. Disconnect the brake hose tab to the steering knuckle, and remove the brake caliper mounting it so that it is out of tension on the flexible brake hose by removing the brake caliper and storing it out of the way. Take off and dispose the axle shaft/hub nut, place the wheel speed sensor aside and swing the knuckle/hub assembly out of the vehicle until the axle shaft is clear. In the event of the axle shaft splines becoming stuck, tap the inner end with a brass or plastic hammer, and hold the outer end with wire, so that the inner CV joint does not become strained. In the right axle shaft, pry the inner CV joint of the intermediate shaft and in the left axle shaft, pry it out of the transaxle, and do not damage the differential seal. Hold the CV joints and take off the axle shaft. Installation may require removing the old spring clip on the inner end of the axle shaft or an outer end of the intermediate shaft and replacing it with a new one and lubricating the seal on the diffusion or intermediate shaft. Install the axle shaft in place by holding the CV joints and making sure that the spring clip is with the opening side down. Insert the splined end of the inner CV joint into the side gear of the differential, or into the middle shaft making sure that the spring clip fits hold on. Lubricate the CV joint splines on the outside, yank out on the steering knuckle assembly, and install the stub axle in the hub. Disconnect the steering knuckle to the control arm, fit a new axle shaft/hub nut and screw it firmly without exceeding the torque specification until the vehicle is lowered. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then make sure that the axle shaft is properly seated in the transaxle or on the intermediate shaft, then lower the vehicle and firmly screw the lug nuts to the required torque, and then tighten the axle shaft/hub nut and place on the hub cover or wheel cap. In the case of the intermediate shaft, take off the right side wheel cover or hub cap, loosen the hub nut, lift up the vehicle and take the wheel out. Once the right axle shaft is removed, carefully take out the bearing support mounting bolts and then slide the intermediate shaft out of the transaxle, ensuring not to restrict the differential seal. Check the support bearing to ensure that it is smooth to operate, and in the event that a roughness is experienced, a replacement of the bearing is done at a qualified repair facility on the intermediate shaft. To install, grease the transaxle seal lips with grease, insert the intermediate shaft into the transaxle side gear and install the bearing support mounting fasteners making sure that the nut is tightened to the recommended torque. The rest of installation is the reverse process in the order of removal.