Installation Procedure

REAR DRIVE AXLE

Important: Be sure to support the drive shaft until it is completely installed.





1. Position the drive shaft to the rear axle differential output shaft.

Important: Use care not to damage the rear axle differential output shaft seal.

2. Carefully align and guide the drive shaft onto the differential output shaft.
3. Engage the drive shaft fully onto the differential output shaft using light force.
4. Check to be certain that the drive shaft is fully seated on the differential output shaft.
5. Begin to position the suspension knuckle to the drive shaft.
6. Align and carefully guide the drive shaft into the wheel hub and bearing but do not seat fully. This will provide additional clearance to the lower ball joint nut.





7. Connect the lower ball joint to the suspension knuckle.
8. Install the parking brake cable into the bracket.
9. Connect the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever.
10. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.





11. Connect the outer tie rod end to the suspension knuckle.
12. Install the rear leaf spring.





13. Set the parking brake.
14. Insert a drift or punch into the brake rotor cooling fins and against the caliper to prevent the wheel hub and bearing from turning.
15. Begin to install the drive shaft retaining nut onto the drive shaft by hand.
16. Slowly tighten the nut to draw the drive shaft to the wheel hub and bearing.
- Tighten the drive axle spindle nut to 160 Nm (118 lb ft).

NOTICE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

17. Remove the drift or punch.
18. Release the parking brake.
19. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
20. Lower the vehicle.