Rear Suspension & Axle Carrier: Removal
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove exhaust system and shielding from floor. Loosen drive shaft clamping nut using 41-mm Open-Ended Wrench (201 589 00 01 00) or 46-mm Open-Ended Wrench (126 589 00 01 00). See Figure.
- Unbolt drive shaft intermediate bearing bracket from frame floor. See Figure. Remove drive shaft coupling from differential flange and wire drive shaft aside. See Figure. Remove lower suspension cover.
- Remove fuel pump cover. Unhook fuel pump assembly and suspend aside with wire. Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector. On vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), remove luggage compartment cover.
- Disconnect ASR electrical connectors. Pull ASR electrical connectors through rubber grommet in floor of luggage compartment. Remove shock absorbers and coil springs. See COIL SPRING and SHOCK ABSORBER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .NOTE: If vehicle is equipped a level control system, ensure procedure is followed for releasing pressure from shock absorbers. See HYDRAULIC PRESSURE RELEASE .
- Disconnect stabilizer bar connection at rear axle. Remove intermediate parking brake lever and disconnect cable controls. Disconnect both brakelines and plug all openings.
- Drain gear oil from differential housing. Remove wheel speed sensor from differential housing. Protect ABS wheel speed sensor magnetic tip and position sensor aside.
- On vehicles with a level control system, bleed hydraulic system pressure. See HYDRAULIC PRESSURE RELEASE . Disconnect hydraulic line from differential. On all models, support axle assembly with a jack. Remove axle carrier bolts from frame floor. Lower rear axle assembly from vehicle.
NOTE:
During installation, use NEW self-locking bolts and/or nuts as necessary. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .