Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Removal:

Disc Brake Adapter Removal:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable and switch air suspension OFF.
2. Raise vehicle and position safety stands below rear frame crossmember.
3. Drain axle fluid by removing cover.
4. Remove wheels, rotors, calipers and ABS speed sensor.
5. Remove lock bolt from pinion shaft and remove shaft. Fig. 5.
6. Push axle shafts inward to remove C-locks.
7. Remove axle shafts, then remove RH and LH disc brake adapter brackets, bolts and J-nuts. Fig. 6.
8. Remove four retaining nuts from each disc brake adapter and support with wire from underbody.
9. Disconnect driveshaft at companion flange and support with wire.
10. Support axle housing with jackstands, then disengage brake line from clips that retain line to axle housing.
11. Release air spring pressure as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIR SUSPENSION PRESSURE RELIEF. Remove air spring.
12. Disconnect vent from rear axle housing, then disconnect lower shock absorber studs from mounting brackets on axle housing.
13. Remove retaining nut and bolts and disconnect upper arms from mountings on axle housing ear brackets.
14. Lower axle housing assembly until springs are released. Remove springs.
15. Disconnect lower arms from axle housing. Lower axle housing and remove from vehicle.
16. Reverse procedure to install. Tighten to specifications.