Axle Shaft, Bearing and Seal

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Drain the axle housing fluid.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Rear wheel
   • Brake drum
   • Wheel speed sensor, if equipped
   • Axle housing cover
   • Bearing retainer nuts
   • Axle shaft and bearing
   • Axle shaft inner oil seal
4. If equipped with ABS, grind a flat spot on the wheel speed sensor tone ring, then split the ring with a chisel.
5. Press the wheel bearing off the axle shaft.
6. Remove the bearing retainer and the outer oil seal.

   To install:

7. Install or connect the following:
   • Outer oil seal to the bearing retainer
   • Bearing retainer to the axle shaft
   • Bearing and retainer ring pressed onto the axle shaft
   • Wheel speed sensor tone ring pressed onto the axle shaft, if equipped
   • Axle shaft inner oil seal
   • Axle shaft and bearing
   • Bearing retainer nuts. Tighten them to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm).
   • Wheel speed sensor, if equipped
   • Brake drum
   • Rear wheel
   • Negative battery cable
8. Fill the rear differential to the correct level.