Axle Shaft & Bearings: Notes

AXLE SHAFT & BEARING SERVICE CAUTION:  Car weight must, be removed from both rear wheels when any service is performed on either axle shaft or bearings. Failure to raise both rear wheels will result in incorrect axle shaft endplay, and permanent distortion and failure of axle shaft bearing retainer and bearing. When removing tapered bearing from axle shaft, protect inner seal journal of shaft as follows: Wrap two turns of masking tape around journal, then wrap one turn of.002" shim stock around journal and hold in place with rubber band. If this procedure is not followed, journal may become scuffed resulting in oil leaks.