Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSTOYOTA2004MATRIX XR, FWD, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 303 (AXLE SHAFTS - FRONT)REMOVAL & INSTALLATIONINSTALLATION
2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, Standard
Removal & Installation: Installation
2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota Matrix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Coat spline of inboard joint with appropriate transaxle fluid. On FWD models equipped with 1ZZ-FE engine, align shaft splines and install right and left axle shaft assemblies with brass bar and hammer. Ensure snap rings are set with opening side facing downward. See Figure. On AWD models, align shaft splines and install right axle shaft assembly. Install new bearing bracket hole snap ring to bearing bracket. Install new bearing lock bolt to bearing bracket. See Figure.
- Align shaft splines of left axle shaft and install with brass bar and hammer. On FWD models equipped with 2ZZ-GE engine, align axle shaft splines and install axle shafts with brass bar and hammer. Install 2 bearing lock bolts on bearing bracket on right axle. See Figure. On all models, Install axle shaft assembly to wheel hub assembly. Use caution to not damage outboard joint boot. On models equipped with ABS, use caution to not damage speed sensor rotor.NOTE: If holes of cotter pin are not aligned, tighten nut up to an additional 60 degrees.
- Install lower ball joint assembly to lower control arm with bolt and 2 nuts. Tighten to proper specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install left tie rod to steering knuckle with nut. Tighten to proper specification. Install new cotter pin.
- On models equipped with ABS, install speed sensor wire and brakeline to shock absorber with bolt. Tighten to specification. Install sensor wire clamp. Install speed sensor to steering knuckle with bolt. Tighten to specification. Use caution to not damage speed sensor and prevent foreign matter from being attached to sensor. DO NOT twist sensor wire when installing sensor.
- Install front stabilizer link with nut. Tighten to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . If ball joint turns together with nut, then use a 6-mm hexagon wrench to hold stud. Install NEW axle hub nut. Tighten to specification. Using chisel and hammer, stake hub nut.
- Install front wheels and lower engine covers. Fill with appropriate transaxle fluid, and inspect fluid level. On AWD models, fill transfer case with appropriate transfer oil. Inspect fluid level. Inspect and adjust front wheel alignment. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT. On models equipped with ABS, check ABS speed sensor signal.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.