Axle Hub and Carrier

Fig. 23 Exploded View Of Rear Axle Hub & Carrier:

Fig. 24 Air Suspension ON/OFF Switch:

Fig. 25 Marking Brake Rotor:

REMOVAL

1. Refer to Fig. 23 when removing rear axle hub and carrier.
2. On models with Air Suspension, move height control switch in luggage compartment to Off position, Fig. 24.
3. On all models, raise and support vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
4. Remove brake caliper from axle carrier and hang it up out of the way.
5. Place match marks on disc rotor and axle hub, then remove rotor, Fig. 25.

Fig. 3 Checking Bearing Backlash:

6. Check bearing backlash, and axle hub deviation as follows:
a. Install a dial indicator as shown in Fig.3, then check backlash in bearing shaft direction. If backlash is greater than .0020 inch, replace bearing.
b. Install a dial indicator, Fig. 4, then check hub deviation by spinning hub. if hub deviation is greater than .0028 inch, replace axle hub.
7. Remove driveshaft locknut as follows:
a. Install brake rotor and caliper.
b. Remove cotter pin and lock cap.
c. With brakes applied, remove nut.
d. Remove brake rotor and caliper.
8. Remove parking brake shoes and cable, then the speed sensor.
9. Remove strut rod and lower suspension arms as outlined under STEERING AND SUSPENSION/SUSPENSION/CONTROL ARMS/SERVICE AND REPAIR.
10. Remove nut on lower side of shock absorber but do not remove bolt.

Fig. 26 Removing Upper Arm Set Bolts:

11. Remove both upper arm set bolts, Fig. 26.
12. Remove bolt on lower side of shock absorber.
13. Remove axle carrier with upper arm.

INSTALLATION

1. Install rear axle carrier and temporarily install driveshaft to axle hub.
2. Install both upper arm bolts and torque to specification.
3. Connect lower end of shock absorber and temporarily install nut and bolt.
4. Install speed sensor, then the parking brake shoes and cable.
5. Temporarily install both lower suspension arms and strut rod as outlined under STEERING AND SUSPENSION/SUSPENSION/CONTROL ARMS/SERVICE AND REPAIR.
6. Install brake rotor and caliper, then torque to specifications.
7. With brakes applied, torque driveshaft locknut to specifications.
8. Install wheel and tire assembly, then lower vehicle.

Fig. 24 Air Suspension ON/OFF Switch:

9. On models with Air Suspension, move height control switch in luggage compartment to On position, Fig. 24.
10. On all models, bounce vehicle up and down several times to stabilize suspension.
11. Raise and support vehicle with vehicle weight still on suspension, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
12. Torque lower shock bolt, lower suspension arms and strut rod to specification.
13. Install wheel and tire assembly and torque to specification, then lower vehicle and check rear wheel alignment.