Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the brake caliper.
4. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket.
5. Remove the thrust block lock bolt.





6. Remove the thrust block.
7. Push the flange of the axle shaft in towards the differential assembly.





8. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.





Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the installing of the thrust block difficult.

9. Remove the axle shaft from the axle housing.

Installation Procedure

Important:
^ Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the axle shaft seal.
^ When installing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft once it is seated in the differential assembly. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the installing of the thrust block difficult.





1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing,
2. Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential gear. Push the axle shaft in towards the differential assembly until the groove in the axle shaft is visible.





3. Install the C-lock onto the button end of the axle shaft.
4. Pull the axle shaft flange outward in order to seat the C-lock into the differential side gear.





5. Install the thrust block.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Install the new thrust lock bolt.
^ Tighten the thrust block lock bolt to 36 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the rear axle housing cover and the gasket.
8. Install the brake caliper.
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
10. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
11. Lower the vehicle.