Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair
Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement
Special Tools
* CH 42129 - Wheel Hub Remover
* J-2619-01 - Slide Hammer
* J-29794 - Extension
* J-42128 - Axle Shaft Remover
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Rear Suspension.
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.
Note: The following procedure applies to those vehicles that have a staked wheel drive shaft nut.
3. Using a punch (1), remove the stake from the wheel drive shaft nut.
Note: DO NOT use air tools to remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Use hand tools only.
Note: For those vehicles equipped with RPO J57, proceed to step 7.
4. Insert a drift or a punch (2) in the brake rotor cooling fins and rotate until the drift or a punch (2) is against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
5. Using a breaker bar and the proper size socket (1), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
Note: Some vehicles may be equipped with a washer (1) under the wheel drive shaft nut.
6. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut (2). DO NOT re-use, replace with new only.
7. Remove the washer, if equipped.
Note: DO NOT insert any type of tool in the cooling fins of the J57 ceramic brake rotor.
Note: DO NOT use air tools to remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Use hand tools only.
8. With the aid of an assistant, apply the brakes.
9. Using a breaker bar and the proper size socket (1), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
Note: Some vehicles may be equipped with a washer (1) under the wheel drive shaft nut.
10. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut (2). DO NOT re-use, replace with NEW only.
11. Remove the washer, if equipped.
12. Using the CH 42129 - remover (1), remove the rear wheel drive shaft from the knuckle.
13. Remove the rear knuckle assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.
14. Using the J-2619-01 - hammer (1), J-29794 - extension (2), and the J-42128 - remover (3), remove the wheel drive shaft from the transmission.
15. Remove the wheel drive shaft (1) from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
Note: Support the rear wheel drive shaft.
1. Install the rear wheel drive shaft (1) in the transmission.
2. Install the rear knuckle assembly in the vehicle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.
3. Install the wheel drive shaft nut washer (1), if equipped.
4. Loosely install the wheel drive shaft nut (2).
Note: For those vehicles equipped with RPO J57 option, proceed to step 7.
5. Insert a drift or a punch (2) in the brake rotor cooling fins and rotate until the drift or a punch (2) is against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.
6. Using a torque wrench and the proper size socket (1), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 205 Nm (151 lb ft).
7. Install the wheel drive shaft nut washer (1), if equipped.
8. Loosely install the wheel drive shaft nut (2).
Note: DO NOT insert any type of tool in the cooling fins of the J57 ceramic brake rotor.
9. With the aid of an assistant, apply the brakes.
10. Using a torque wrench and the proper size socket (1), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 205 Nm (151 lb ft).
Note: The following service procedure apply's to those vehicles with the staked wheel drive shaft nut.
11. Using a hammer and a punch (1), stake the wheel drive shaft nut (2).
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.
13. Lower the vehicle.