Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

REAR AXLE SHAFT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

^ Tools Required
- J 39446 ABS Exciter Ring Protector Kit





1. Remove the rear tire and wheel.
2. Remove the rear brake rotor.
3. Remove the rear axle housing cover.
4. Install a J 39446 onto the speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) on vehicles that are equipped with non-traction control axles.
5. Remove the pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5) from the differential case.
6. Remove the pinion gear shaft from the differential case.
7. Push the flanged end of the axle shaft into the rear axle housing (7) in order to access the rear axle shaft lock. Remove the rear axle shaft lock (1).

IMPORTANT: Do not damage the rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel (30) during axle shaft removal on vehicles that are equipped with traction control.

The rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel is located on the axle shaft.

If the rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel is damaged, replace the rear axle shaft.

Remove the rear axle shaft from the rear axle housing.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the rear axle shaft into place.
Ensure that the following conditions are met:
^ The splines on the end of the axle shaft do not damage the rear wheel bearing seal.
^ The splines on the end of the axle shaft engage with splines of the differential side gear.

2. Install the rear axle shaft lock (1).
Push the axle shaft outward so that the rear axle shaft lock seats in the counterbore of the differential side gear.

3. Install the pinion gear shaft through the following components:
^ The differential case
^ The pinion gear thrust washers
^ The pinion gears
Align the hole in the pinion gear shaft with the rear axle shaft lock bolt/screw hole in the differential case.

4. Coat the pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5) with Loctite 242 or an equivalent.
Install the pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5).
^ Tighten the differential pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5) to 36 Nm (27 lb ft).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

5. Remove the J 39446 from the speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) if the vehicle has a standard rear axle.
If a new speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) was installed, remove and discard the plastic covering.

6. Install the rear axle housing cover.
7. Install the rear brake rotor.
8. Install the rear tire and the rear wheel.