Removal and Installation

REAR DRIVE HALFSHAFTS

Caution: Never pick up or hold the halfshaft only by the inboard or outboard CV joint.

Caution: Do not over-angle the CV joints.

Caution: Damage will occur to an assembled inboard CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing.

Caution: Never use a hammer to remove or install the halfshafts.

Caution: Never use the halfshaft assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the free end of the halfshaft.

Caution: Do not allow the boots to contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components.

Caution: Handle the halfshaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart and potential damage to the CV joints.

Caution: Do not drop assembled halfshafts. The impact will cut the boots from the inside without evidence of external damage.

Note: Handle all halfshaft components carefully during removal and installation procedures.

Note: RH side shown; LH side similar.





Removal

Note: RH side shown; LH side similar.

1. Place the selector lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.

Caution: Do not loosen the rear axle wheel hub retainer until after the wheel and tire assembly are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

3. Remove the rear brake drum or brake disc.
4. Remove the rear coil spring.





5. Remove the rear axle wheel hub nut.

Caution: Do not use a hammer to separate the rear axle halfshaft assembly from the hub. Damage to the threads and the internal CV joint can result.





6. Using the special tool, separate the halfshaft from the knuckle.
^ Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.
^ Remove the special tool.
^ Separate the outboard CV joint from the hub.

Caution: Make sure to support the wheel knuckle.





7. Remove the nut and separate the lower ball joints.





8. Using the special tool, remove the halfshaft.





9. Using the special tools, remove the stub and shaft seal.





10. Using the special tools, remove the stub shaft pilot bearing and seal.

Installation

Note: Lubricate the new stub shaft pilot bearing with rear axle lubricant.





1. Using the special tools, install the stub shaft pilot bearing.

Note: Lubricate the new stub shaft pilot bearing housing seal with grease.





2. Using the special tools, install the stub shaft pilot bearing housing seal.
3. Install a new circlip on the inboard CV joint.





4. Install the halfshaft into the differential.





5. Using the special too], install the halfshaft end into the hub assembly.





6. Position the lower ball joint and install the nut.





7. Install the halfshaft nut.
8. Install the rear coil spring.
9. Install the rear brake drum or brake disc.