Axle Shaft Assembly: Description and Operation

Rear Axle

When installing waxed components, contact surfaces must be cleaned. Contact surfaces must be free of wax and grease.

Tightening specifications for unoiled bolts and nuts are given.

Welding or straightening operations are not permitted on load-bearing or wheel-controlling components.

Always avoid the following actions with coil springs: Hammer stroke, welding beads, applying color identification later.

Do not perform any welding or grinding (separating work) in coil spring or suspension strut area! Cover coil spring or suspension struts if necessary.

Vehicles without drive axle must not be moved, otherwise wheel bearing will be damaged. If vehicle must be moved, observe the following:

- Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.

- Tighten outer joint to 115 Nm (M14 bolt) or 200 Nm (M16 bolt).

Bonded rubber bushings have a limited torsional range. Only tighten threaded connections at control arms if vehicle is in curb weight position. Refer to => [ Wheel Bearing, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] Wheel Bearing, Lifting to Curb Weight Position

If the vehicle must still be aligned, every bolt and nut that must be loosened for adjustment is only tightened to tightening specification. Tighten the bolts and nuts to the specified additional tightening angel after the alignment/adjustment is complete.

CAUTION!
All bolts and nuts must be tightened properly before driving the vehicle!