Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
3. Remove the rear drums, if equipped. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brake Systems.
4. Remove the rear rotors, if equipped. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brake Systems.
5. Remove the axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement.
6. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.





7. Remove the pinion shaft.





8. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft. Push in the axle shaft toward the center of the vehicle.





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 C-lock on the axle shaft. Pull the axle shaft outward so the C-lock seats in the counterbore of the rear axle side gear.





4. Install the pinion shaft through the case and the pinion.

Important: When reusing the differential pinion shaft locking screw, coat the threads with Loctite(TM) 242 before reinstalling. This prevents the screw from loosening in the case.

5. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Install the new lock bolt.
^ Tighten the lock bolt to 36 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the new gasket on the axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement
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. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brake Systems.
10. Install the brake drums, if equipped. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brake Systems.
11. Install the tires. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
12. Inspect the rear axle operation.