Rear Axle Shaft And Wheel Bearing Removal And Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove rear brake drum (1) referring to REMOVAL & INSTALLATION , Rear Brake Drum

Fig 1: Removing Rear Brake Drum
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Drain gear oil from rear axle housing by loosening drain plug (1).

Fig 2: Draining Gear Oil From Rear Axle Housing
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Remove rear wheel bearing retainer nuts (1) from axle housing.

Fig 3: Removing Rear Wheel Bearing Retainer Nuts From Axle Housing
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove wheel speed sensor (1) from rear axle housing (if equipped with ABS).
CAUTION:
- Do not pull wire harness or twist more than necessary when removing rear wheel speed sensor.
- Do not cause damage to surface of rear wheel speed sensor or pole piece and do not allow dust, etc. to enter its installation hole.
Fig 4: Removing Wheel Speed Sensor From Rear Axle Housing
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check to ensure that there is clearance (3) between rear wheel bearing retainer (1) and parking brake shoe lever (2). If no clearance is found, loosen cable locking nut further to obtain clearance (3).

Fig 5: Checking Clearance Between Rear Wheel Bearing Retainer & Parking Brake Shoe Lever
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Using special tools, draw out axle shaft.
NOTE: Use care not to pull brake back plate along with shaft.
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CAUTION: Pull out axle shaft using care so that upper and lower brake struts and parking cable are not caught.

Special tool
1. (B): 09942-15510
2. (C): 09943-35512
Fig 6: Using Special Tools To Remove Axle Shaft
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Rear axle shaft that was drawn out.
Rear axle shaft length "L"
1. Left side: 711.5 mm (28.0 in.)
2. Right side: 757.5 mm (29.8 in.)
Fig 7: Measuring Rear Axle Shaft Length "L"
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
If equipped with ABS, in order to remove sensor rotor (1) from retainer ring, grind with a grinder one part "A" of the sensor rotor (1) as illustrated till it becomes thin.

Fig 8: Removing Sensor Rotor
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Break with a chisel (1) the thin ground sensor rotor, and it can be removed (if equipped with ABS).

Fig 9: Breaking Thin Ground Sensor Rotor With Chisel
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
In order to remove the retainer ring (1) from the shaft (3), grind with a grinder two parts (2) of the bearing retainer ring (1) as illustrated till it becomes thin.
CAUTION: Be careful not to grind too far not to damage the shaft (3).

Fig 10: Removing Retainer Ring From Shaft
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Break with a chisel (1) the thin ground retainer ring, and it can be removed.

Fig 11: Breaking Thin Ground Retainer Ring With Chisel
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove wheel bearing (2) from axle shaft (1) by using hydraulic press (3).

Fig 12: Removing Wheel Bearing From Axle Shaft
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove bearing retainer.
Remove stud bolt(s) (1) by using hydraulic press (2).

Fig 13: Removing Stud Bolt(s)
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.