Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the brake drum(s).
4. Remove the axle housing cover. Refer to Carrier Cover Gasket Replacement.
5. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.





6. Remove the pinion shaft.





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





8. 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. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.

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 pinions.

Important: When reusing the differential pinion shaft locking bolt, coat the threads with Loctite 242 before reinstalling. This prevents the bolt 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 lock bolt.
- Tighten the lock bolt to 25 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the new gasket on the axle housing cover. Refer to Carrier Cover Gasket Replacement.
8. Install the brake drum(s).
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Inspect the rear axle operation.