Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement

Tools Required
* J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
* J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
* J 33008-A Axle Shaft Puller
* J 44809 Installer

Removal Procedure

Note: Both the right and left wheel drive shafts are serviced the same.

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).





Note: The following procedure is to ensure that the wheel drive shaft assembly does not rotate while the nut is being removed or tighten.

2. Insert a brass drift or punch in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
3. Using the breaker bar and socket, loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.





Note: DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut, discard and use NEW.

4. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.
5. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Rear Suspension.




6. Position the J 33008-A , J 29794 , and J 2619-01 on the wheel drive shaft.





Note: Because of the design of the wheel drive shaft inner seal, the seal will be removed at the same time the wheel drive shaft is removed. Replace the seal, DO NOT re-use the seal. Replace with NEW.

7. Using the J 33008-A , J 29794 , and J 2619-01 , remove the wheel drive shaft.

Note: The rear knuckle does not have to be removed in order to service either the right or left rear the wheel drive shaft. The opening in the knuckle is large enough to allow the wheel drive shaft to pass through.

8. Remove the wheel drive shaft through the knuckle.
9. If servicing the right wheel drive shaft, remove the muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement Service and Repair.





Note: DO NOT re-use the retaining clip, replace with NEW.

10. Remove the retaining ring from the tripod.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the NEW the retaining ring on the tripod.




2. Position the new seal in the wheel drive shaft seal.
3. Using the J 44809 , install the wheel drive shaft seal.




4. Install the wheel drive shaft through the knuckle.
5. Check to ensure that the wheel drive shaft is fully seated by pulling on the inner joint housing and NOT the wheel drive shaft.
6. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Rear Suspension.




7. Install the wheel drive shaft nut.
8. Install the muffler assembly, if removed. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement Service and Repair.




9. Insert a brass drift or punch in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

10. Using a torque wrench and socket, tighten the new wheel drive shaft nut.

Tighten the nut to 205 Nm (151 lb ft).

11. Check the fluid level in the rear differential for any fluid loss during the service procedure. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (Procedures).
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).