Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Special Tools
* J-42129 - Wheel Hub Remover
* J-44394 - Seal Protector

Removal Procedure

Note: In the following service procedure the left side is shown, the right side is similar.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the rear brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (Service and Repair).

Note: The wheel drive shaft spindle nut must not be reused. Replace the wheel drive shaft spindle nut with a new nut whenever it is removed.

4. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
5. Using J-42129 - Wheel Hub Remover , CJ129 Universal Hub Puller - Snap-On, 7394 Universal Hub Puller - OTC, or equivalent, disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub.
6. Remove the adjustment link. Refer to Adjust Link Replacement (Rear Suspension).
7. Separate the upper ball joint from the rear knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement (Rear Suspension).

8. Using a suitable tool, carefully release the wheel drive shaft from the rear differential enough to install the J-44394 - Seal Protector.

Caution: J-44394 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install J-44394 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.

9. Carefully install the J-44394 - Protector over the wheel drive shaft.
10. Carefully slide the J-44394 - Protector into the differential output shaft seal.
11. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
12. If reusing the wheel drive shaft, remove and discard the wheel drive shaft retaining ring. The wheel drive shaft retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the cross groove joint.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the new wheel drive shaft retaining ring. The wheel drive shaft retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the cross groove joint.

Note: In order to prevent lubricant leaks, use care when installing the wheel drive shaft to the differential. Do not damage the oil seal. Replace the oil seal if it becomes nicked, distorted, or is otherwise damaged.

3. Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the splines are past the J-44394 - Protector. Ensure that the retaining ring is installed in the upright position.

4. Carefully remove the J-44394 - Protector from the differential output shaft seal.

5. Carefully remove J-44394 - Protector from the wheel drive shaft.
6. Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the retaining ring is engaged.
7. Ensure the wheel drive shaft retaining ring is fully engaged to the differential by grasping the inner housing and pulling outward. The wheel drive shaft will stay positively engaged if properly installed to the differential.
8. Install the upper ball joint to the rear knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement (Rear Suspension).

Note: Ensure that the drive shaft seals do not have any abrasions, cuts or punctures.

9. Loosely install the NEW wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
10. Install the adjustment link. Refer to Adjust Link Replacement (Rear Suspension).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

11. Use the new wheel drive shaft spindle nut to slowly pull the spindle to the wheel hub and bearing assembly and tighten to 215 Nm (159 lb ft).
12. Install the rear brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (Service and Repair).
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
14. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (Procedures).
15. Lower the vehicle.