Axle Assembly

Axle Assembly









Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New fasteners must be installed with the same part number or an equivalent part if installation is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts. Orientation of the fasteners is also important on all rear suspension arms. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed.

1. Release the parking brake cable tension. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake System.

2. Remove the 2 rear brake discs. For additional information, refer to Disc Brake System.

3. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints.

4. Remove the brake tube junction block bolt.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).





5. Remove the 2 brake tube/flexible hose clips and position the brake tubes aside.





6. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle tube.





7. Disconnect the 2 wheel speed sensor electrical connectors and the retainers.

8. Disconnect the RH and LH parking brake cables from the parking brake cable extensions.





9. Disconnect the LH parking brake cable from the differential cover bracket.





10. NOTICE: Use additional support straps to secure the rear axle to the jack or damage to the component may occur.

Support the rear axle housing with a suitable jack.





11. WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Remove and discard the 2 shock absorber lower nuts and 2 bolts, then remove the shock absorbers from the brackets.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).





12. Disconnect the RH and LH parking brake cables from the brackets and position aside.





13. NOTE: When installing new U-bolts, the distance between the U-bolts should be 93 mm (3.66 in) ± 3 mm (0.12 in). This is important for providing the correct U-bolt clamp load and retention of parts.

Remove and discard the 4 rear U-bolt nuts. Remove the U-bolts and the spring plate.

- To install, tighten the U-bolt nuts in 4 stages.

- Stage 1: Tighten in a cross pattern to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

- Stage 2: Tighten in a cross pattern to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).

- Stage 3: Tighten in a cross pattern to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

- Stage 4: Tighten in a cross pattern to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).





14. Lower the axle from the vehicle.

15. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Adjust the parking brake cable tension. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake Cable Adjustment in Parking Brake System.