Removal

REMOVAL

CAUTION: Never grasp halfshaft assembly by the inner or outer boots. Doing so may cause the boot to pucker or crease, reducing the service life of the boot and joint. Avoid over angulating or stroking the C/V joints when handling the halfshaft.





1. With vehicle in neutral, position and raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Using 14mm hex, remove axle drain plug (1) and drain rear axle fluid as needed into container suitable for fluid reuse.
3. Install drain plug (1) and torque to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.) torque.





4. Remove rear exhaust system from catalytic converter clamps (1) to muffler and tailpipe assembly. Removal






NOTE: To release wheel speed sensor connector from body wiring harness connector (1) in following step, move retaining clip (2) as indicated here, then pull sensor connector (3) outward.






5. Remove sensor connectors (3 and 4) from body wiring harness connector (1) located in luggage compartment floor pan (2).





6. Apply alignment index marks (3) to the propeller shaft rubber coupler (1) and axle flange (2).





7. Remove three propeller shaft coupler-to-axle flange bolt/nuts.
8. Position an extra pair of jack stands under and support forward end of engine cradle to help stabilize vehicle during rear suspension removal/installation.





9. Position under-hoist utility jack or transmission jack (2) under rear axle (1). Raise jack head to contact rear axle and secure in place.





10. Remove both rear (2) mounting bolts fastening crossmember (1) in place.
11. Slowly lower crossmember using jack until crossmember is at a comfortable working level to access rear axle-to-crossmember bolts.






NOTE: Do not pry on the axle halfshaft slinger.

12. Using suitable prybar (1), partially disengage halfshafts (2) from axle assembly.





13. Remove the front mount bolt cover (1) located at the top of the axle carrier (2).






NOTE: The nut will turn free at the at the top of the axle carrier, it will need to be held with a deep socket during removal.

14. Remove rear axle front mount bolt (1) and nut (3).
15. Use only hand tools to remove two rear axle-to-crossmember bolts (1).





16. Carefully lower rear axle. While lowering axle, separate propeller shaft from axle and support with suitable rope or wire (1).





17. Lower axle just enough to remove both halfshafts one at a time. Shift axle assembly in one direction, compressing one halfshaft while removing the other (1). Use caution to protect axle seal and journal when removing axles.
18. Remove axle assembly from vehicle and transfer to bench.