Rear Axle Service

DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle and position and support stands under the frame rails slightly in front of the springs.

2. Remove the rear wheels.

3. Mark the drive shaft yoke and axle pinion yoke for alignment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft from the axle

4. Disconnect the axle vent hose.

5. Disconnect the parking brake cables at the equalizer or backing plate.

6. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.

7. Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction block. Do not disconnect the wheel cylinder tubing fittings.

8. If equipped, disconnect ABS wiring connections at the axle.

9. Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under the differential.

10. Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate brackets.

11. Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.


Installation

Caution: All suspension components that use rubber bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at the ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected along with premature rubber bushing wear. Rubber bushings must never be lubricated.

1. Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.

2. Raise the axle and align the spring center bolts with the locating holes in the axle pads and plate brackets.

3. Install the spring U-bolts through the plate brackets and tighten to 70 Nm (52 ft.lbs) torque.


4. Install ABS wiring connections (if equipped) at the axle.

5. Connect the brake hose at the axle junction block.

6. Install the shock absorber to the axle brackets and tighten to 60 Nm (44 ft.lbs) torque.

7. Connect the parking brake cables at the equalizer or backing plate.

8. Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.

9. Align the reference marks and connect the drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint clamp bolts to 19 Nm (14 ft.lbs) torque.

10. Check differential lubricant and add if necessary.

11. Install the wheel and tire.

12. Bleed the brakes.

13. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.