Axle Shaft Replacement

REMOVAL PROCEDURE





1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Remove the rear drums, if equipped.
4. Remove the rear rotors, if equipped.
5. Remove the axle housing cover.
6. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.





7. Remove the pinion shaft.





8. Push in the axle shaft toward the center of the vehicle. Remove the Clock from the button end of the axle shaft.





9. Remove the axle shaft from the axle housing. Mark the shaft as left or right.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Lubricate the axle shaft wheel bearing surface and the oil seal surface with axle lubricant.

IMPORTANT:
^ Use the correct axle on the axle's corresponding side.
^ Do not damage the oil seal.
^ The splined end of the axle shaft must engage the splines of the rear axle side gear.

2. Install the axle shaft into the housing.





3. Install the Clock on the axle shaft. Pull the axle shaft outward so the Clock seats in the counterbore of the rear axle side gear.





4. Install the pinion shaft through the case and the pinion.
5. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole.

IMPORTANT: When reusing the differential pinion shaft locking screw, coat the threads with Loctite5 242 before reinstalling. This prevents the screw from loosening in the case.





6. Install the new lock bolt.
^ Tighten the lock bolt to 36 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Install the new gasket on the axle housing cover.
8. Add the axle lubricant to a level of 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) from the top of the fill plug hole. Refer to Lubrication Specifications.
9. Install the rear rotor, if equipped.
10. Install the brake drums, if equipped.
11. Install the tires.
12. Inspect the rear axle operation.