11 Inch Axle

Tools Required
- J2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench





1. Make sure the brakes are fully released and do not drag.
2. Pull or push the tire at the top back and forth in order to check the wheel bearing play.
^ Use a pry bar under the tire as an alternative.
^ If the wheel bearing adjustment is correct, movement of the brake drum in relation to the brake backing plate will be barely noticeable.
^ If the movement of the brake drum in relation to the brake backing plate is excessive, adjust the bearings.

3. Raise the vehicle until the wheel spins freely.
4. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement (11 Inch Ring Gear).
5. Remove the retaining ring.
6. Remove the rear wheel bearing axle adjusting nut key.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Adjust the adjusting nut.
Tighten the adjusting nut to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) with the J2222-C while rotating the hub assembly.
8. Make sure the bearing cones are seated and in contact with the spindle shoulder.
9. Back off the adjusting nut and retighten the adjusting nut while rotating the hub.
10. Back off the adjusting nut.
11. Retighten the adjusting nut while rotating the hub assembly.
Tighten the adjusting nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
12. Back off the adjusting nut 135 - 150 degrees.
13. Install the lock washer.
14. Bend one tang of the retaining washer over a flat of the adjusting nut to a minimum of 30 degrees.
15. Install the outer retaining nut.
Tighten the outer retaining nut to a minimum of 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.).
16. Make the final bearing adjustment 0.025 - 0.25 mm (0.001 - 0.010 inch).
17. Bend one tang of the retaining washer over a flat of the outer nut to a minimum of 60 degrees.
18. Add wheel bearing grease in the bearings.
19. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement (11 Inch Ring Gear).