REAR AXLE AND SUSPENSION - Rear Drive Shaft RA-17 4. REMOVE COTTER PIN, LOCK NUT CAP AND LOCK NUT (a) Remove the cotter pin and lock nut cap. (b) Loosen the bearing lock nut while depressing the brake pedal. 5. REMOVE REAR DRIVE SHAFT Using a plastic hammer, remove the rear drive shaft. DISASSEMBLY OF REAR DRIVE SHAFT 1. CHECK REAR DRIVE SHAFT (a) Check to see there is no play in the inboard and outboard joints. (b) Check to see that the inboard joint slides smoothly in the thrust direction. (c) Check to see that there is no noticeable play in the radial direction of the universal joints. (d) Check the damage of the boot. 2. REMOVE INBOARD JOINT BOOT CLAMPS 3. DISASSEMBLE INBOARD JOINT TULIP (a) Place matchmarks on the inboard joint tulip and tripod. NOTICE: Do not punch the marks. (b) Remove the inboard joint tulip from the rear drive shaft.