Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Halfshafts, Bearings and Seals

Part 1 Of 2:

Part 2 Of 2:

Special Tool(s)

NOTE: This procedure applies to both rear halfshaft assemblies.

1. CAUTION: Do not loosen the rear axle wheel hub retainer until after the wheel and tire assembly are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.
2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly.





3. CAUTION: When removing the caliper, never allow it to hang from the brake hose. Provide a suitable support.

Remove the rear brake caliper and support bracket as an assembly.





4. Remove the rear anti-lock speed sensor.
1 Remove the bolt.
2 Remove the sensor.





5. Illustration 1 of 2. Remove the components in the order indicated in the illustration and table.

Part 1 Of 3:

Part 2 Of 3:

Part 3 Of 3:

6. Illustration 2 of 2. Remove the components in the order indicated in the illustration and table.
7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
8. Fill the axle with the specified quantity of the specified lubricant.

Item 1: Rear Axle Wheel Hub Retainer Removal Note





1. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the rear axle halfshaft assembly from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components can result.

Separate the rear axle halfshaft assembly from the hub.
1 Using the special tools, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.
2 Remove the special tool.
3 Separate the outboard CV joint from the hub.

Item 7: Rear Halfshaft Assembly Removal Note





1. CAUTION: Do not over-angulate the outboard CV joint or damage the boot.

Position the knuckle to gain clear access for the halfshaft removal.





2. CAUTION: Do not damage the axle shaft oil seal or the machined sealing surface on the inboard CV joint housing.

CAUTION: Do not allow the splines on the inboard CV joint housing to touch the axle shaft oil seal.

NOTE: A circlip retains the inboard CV joint housing to the differential side gear in the axle.

Using the special tool, disengage the inboard CV joint housing from the differential side gear.





3. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the axle shaft oil seal, install the special tool before removing the inboard CV joint housing from the axle.

Install the special tool.





4. Carefully remove the halfshaft. The halfshaft assemblies are not repairable. Install a new assembly if worn or damaged.

Item 8: Halfshaft Seal and Bearing Removal Note





1. Using the special tools, remove the halfshaft seal.





2. Using the special tools, remove the halfshaft bearing.

Item 8: Halfshaft Seal and Bearing Installation Note





1. CAUTION: Installation without the correct tools can result in early bearing failure.

Place the inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing onto the special tools.
^ Install the inboard CV joint stub shaft pilot bearing.





2. Lubricate the lips of the halfshaft seal with rear axle lubricant. Place the seal on the special tool.

3. CAUTION: Installation of the halfshaft seal without the correct tool can result in an early seal failure. If the seal becomes cocked during installation, remove it and install a new one.

Carefully align the halfshaft seal with the housing bore and install the seal.

Item 7: Rear Halfshaft Assembly Installation Note





1. Install a new axle circlip.





2. Install the special tools to protect the differential seals.

Item 1: Rear Axle Wheel Hub Retainer and Washer Installation Note

1. CAUTION: Never use power tools to tighten the rear axle wheel hub retainer.

Install a new rear axle wheel hub retainer and washer.