Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Shaft Replacement
Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the brake caliper.
4. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket.
5. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.





6. On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.





7. On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.





8. On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the C-lock (1) until the C-lock aligns with the thrust block (2).
9. Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.





10. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.





11. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.

Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will mis-align the gears. Mis-aligning the gears will make the installing of the axle shaft difficult.


Installation Procedure





1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.

Important: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

2. Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.





3. On axles without a locking differential, place the C-lock on the button end of the axle shaft.
4. On axles with a locking differential, keep the pinion shaft partially withdrawn.





5. On axles with a locking differential, place the C-lock (1) on the axle shaft (3) so that the ends are flush with the thrust block (2).
6. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the C-lock in the differential gear.





7. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.

8. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.
Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 36 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Fastener in Service Precautions.

9. Install the rear axle housing cover and the gasket.
10. Install the brake caliper.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
13. Lower the vehicle.