Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure

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. Have an assistant apply the brakes.




4. Using the proper size socket and a breaker bar (1), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.





Caution: This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

5. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut (1). Replace with NEW only.

6. Using the appropriate tool, remove the wheel drive shaft from the rear wheel hub bracket.

7. Remove the rear knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement (AWD) Service and RepairKnuckle Replacement (FWD) Service and Repair.





Caution: When removing or installing the drive axle, use extreme care not to nick or cut the drive axle oil seal.

8. Remove the wheel drive shaft (1) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





Caution: When removing or installing the drive axle, use extreme care not to nick or cut the drive axle oil seal.

Note: Apply a small amount of lubricant on the wheel drive shaft splines and the contact area of the axle seal to the wheel drive shaft.

1. Position the wheel drive shaft (1) in the vehicle.

2. Install the rear knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement (AWD) Service and RepairKnuckle Replacement (FWD) Service and Repair.




3. Install the NEW wheel drive shaft nut.

4. Have an assistant apply the brakes.




5. Using the torque wrench and the proper size socket (1), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to:

* First Pass: 150 Nm (111 lb ft)

* Second Pass: loosen 45 degrees

* Final Pass: retighten to 250 Nm (185 lb ft)

6. Check the fluid level of the rear axle. Add fluid if needed. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection Procedures.

7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

8. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.