Starter replacement/front driveshaft removal

KPOWERSJR

MEMBER
2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
94,000 MILES

I am replacing the starter on my wife's vehicle listed above. There is no online information on how to do this to be found, but I did discover that in order to replace it, you must remove the catalytic converter from the drivers side which requires removal of the front prop shaft. It consists of a CV joint at each end with 6 Allen head bolts. I've removed the bolts but cannot get the the driveshaft flanges to separate from either the front differential or the transfer case. One person advised hammering on the ends but I cannot seem to find an optimal place to hit that produces results. Someone help!

Saturday, January 11th, 2020 AT 12:44 PM

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I have taken many of these out and you don't have to remove all this. Instead you just need too gain access to the bolts and remove them, then turn the steering until the rack moves enough to allow you to pull it out.

However, if you already have it loose then the rear of the drive shaft should pop out towards the driverside and then the front flange should pull out towards the rear. If you can't get them loose, then you can smack the flanges with a mallet. Just do not try to drive a punch or screw driver between the flanges. This will distort them.

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, January 11th, 2020 AT 5:42 PM

KPOWERSJR

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Two questions. 1) How can I gain access to the mounting bolts without at least removing the driveshaft? (Maybe I'm just not using the correct tools?) And 2) Are you saying I should be able to push the transfer case end of the driveshaft toward the driver's side and have it pop out? Because I worked for hours today with a mallet and an angled pry bar catching the bar in the groove around the center of the driveshaft end and tapping at an angle away from the transfer case flange. It moved about 1/16th of an inch.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, January 11th, 2020 AT 8:08 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Yes. There are not special tools but most mechanics use long extensions and can get to it from further back in the vehicle. Keep in mind, all these procedures were written for a mechanic in a shop working on a lift. If you are in your driveway then you will probably need to remove the drive shaft just as you are doing. I have watch a few videos and they all do the same thing you are doing.

As for getting the driveshaft out, if you have all the bolts out I would suggest putting one of them back in only a quarter of the way and then smacking the flange with a hammer where I circled in the first screen shot below. Try not to smack at an angle because this can distort the flange.

Next screen shot you can put a pry bar in this slot and pry it back away from the flange.

Basically this is seized due to rust. Keep in mind this is metal so you can be rough with it, just don't go crazy on it.

When you get the CV side loose you can push the end towards the CV joint and that should collapse just enough to get it down.

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 7:17 AM

KPOWERSJR

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Unfortunately my driveshaft has the CV joint at both ends, unlike the one you have pictured above.
I did, however, manage to get it out with some (lots) persuasion. I ran out of time so I will be putting the driveshaft back in later this week.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 7:52 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Sorry. You are correct. That was a picture of a 2005 and that was changed in 2012. You may want to check the CV joint of both ends while it is out because they are well known for making a clunking noise when they get worn.

Thanks for the update. Sorry we couldn't help sooner. Please let me know how else we can help.

Image (Click to make bigger)