NOTE: The left and the right rear axle shafts are not interchangeable
as the left shaft is shorter than the right. It is, therefore, not a good idea
to remove them both at once.
- Raise and safely support the rear of the vehicle. Drain the lubricant from
the differential.
- Remove the rear wheels. Raise the tab on the wheel hub locknut, and then
have someone apply the brakes as you loosen the nut.
| Fig. 1: Exploded view of the rear axle halfshaft
assemblies and related components
|
- Clearly mark the relationship between the axle shaft flange and the differential
flange. Remove the nuts and washers that attach the axle shaft to the differential
and separate them.
- Disconnect the lateral link from the rear axle hub by removing the through
bolt and washer. Disconnect the trailing link in the same manner.
- Lower the axle shaft flange from the differential and pull the splined end
from the wheel hub. If the axle shaft is stuck in the hub, use special hub
puller 49–0839–425C to withdraw the hub so you can remove the
axle shaft.
| Fig. 2: Use two prybars to remove the flanges from
the differential
|
| Fig. 3: Remove the old differential seal by simply
prying it out
|
- Remove the differential flange from the differential carrier by positioning
two prybars on either side of the flange, between it and the carrier and prying
the flange outward. Remove the circlip from the differential flange shaft
and discard it.
- Remove the oil seal from the differential by prying it out as well.
To install:
- Apply lithium based grease to the new oil seal lip and, using a seal driver,
install the seal to the differential carrier.
- Install a new circlip to the differential flange shaft, insert the flange
into the differential carrier and seat it by lightly tapping it with a hammer.
Ensure that the circlip is engaged into the internal groove by attempting
to pull it out by hand.
- Attach the knuckle assembly to the shock absorber support and torque the
retaining bolts to 58–86 ft. lbs.
- Insert the splined end of the axle shaft into the wheel hub and connect
the trailing and lateral links. Torque the trailing link bolt to 58–56
ft. lbs. and the lateral link bolt to 46–55 ft. lbs.
- Attach the axle shaft to the differential flange by aligning the matchmarks.
Torque the flange nuts to 39–47 ft. lbs. (53–63 Nm).
- Install a new locknut and torque it to 174–235 ft. lbs. (235–318
Nm). Stake the locknut tab into the groove of the spindle using a small cold
chisel.
- Install the rear wheels and lower the vehicle.
