Axle Beam: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.




2. Remove the 4 bolts (3, 4) and the 2 clips (5) in order to separate the following components from the rear axle:

* The brake pipes
* The brake hoses
* The park brake cables
* The wheel speed sensor wires, if equipped

3. Remove the 2 backing plates.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft.
5. Support the rear axle with a block of wood and a jack.
6. Remove the following components in order to separate the 2 shock absorbers from the rear axle:

* The 2 bolts
* The 2 nuts
* The 2 retainers




7. Remove the 2 bolts (3) and the 2 nuts in order to remove the rear axle (1).
8. If necessary, use a press in order to remove the rear axle bushings.

Installation Procedure

1. If you removed the bushings, use a press in order to install the bushings.
2. Use a jack and a block of wood in order to raise and support the rear axle.





Important: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts. The weight of the vehicle must be on the tire and wheel assemblies before tightening the nuts and the bolts.

3. Install the 2 bolts (3) and the 2 nuts in order to retain the rear axle (1) to the body.
4. Install the following components in order to retain the 2 shock absorbers to the rear axle:

* The 2 bolts
* The 2 retainers
* The 2 nuts

5. Install the stabilizer shaft.
6. Install the 2 backing plates.




7. Install the 4 bolts and the 2 clips in order to retain the following components to the rear axle:

* The brake pipes
* The brake hoses
* The park brake cables
* The wheel speed sensor wires, if equipped

8. Remove the jack and lower the vehicle.
9. Bleed the brake system.
10. If the vehicle has ABS, perform the vehicle system check. Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
11. Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to stabilize the suspension.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

Important: The weight of the vehicle must be on the tire and wheel assemblies.

12. Tighten the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts that retain the axle to the body.

Tighten the nuts and the bolts to 85 N.m (62.7 lb ft).

13. Tighten the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts that retain the shock absorbers to the axle.

Tighten the nuts and the bolts to 80 N.m (59 lb ft).

14. Measure the rear wheel alignment.