Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Caution:
When removing the rear springs, do not use a twin-post type hoist. The swing arch tendency of the rear axle assembly when certain fasteners are removed may cause it to slip from the hoist which may cause personal injury.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the rear tires and wheels.
3. Use a utility stand in order to support the rear axle.
4. Remove the rear axle coil springs, the spring seats, and the spring insulators.
5. Remove the brake calipers.
6. Disconnect the intermediate brake hoses from the rear axle brake pipes.
7. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
8. Use the utility stand in order to lower the rear axle.
9. Remove the utility stand.
10. Lower the vehicle until the rear axle is approximately 13 mm (0.5 inch) above the ground.





11. Remove the rear axle control arm bolts and nuts.
12. Remove the rear axle.
13. Remove the brake pipes and the brake hoses from the rear axle.
14. Remove the wheel bearing/hub.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the wheel bearing/hub.
2. Install the brake pipes and the brake hoses to the rear axle.
3. Position the rear axle under the vehicle.
4. Install the control arm bolts.

5. Notice:
Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Important:
This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:
^ The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
^ The fastener develops 4 Nm (37 inch lbs.) of torque/drag against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.

If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.
Install the control arm nuts.

Tighten the control arm nuts to 220 Nm (162 ft. lbs.).

6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
7. Use the utility stand in order to raise the rear axle.
8. Install the rear axle coil springs, the spring seats, and the spring insulators.
9. Install the brake calipers.
10. Install the park brake cables to the rear axle.
11. Install the intermediate brake hoses to the rear axle brake pipes.
12. Bleed the brake system.
13. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
14. Install the rear tires and wheels.
15. Lower the vehicle.