Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Halfshaft

Special Tool(s):

Special Tool(s)






Removal
1. CAUTION: Do not begin this procedure unless:
^ a new rear axle wheel hub retainer is available.
^ a new axle circlip is available.
^ you have read Halfshaft Handling in Description and Operation

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove and discard the rear axle wheel hub retainer.

4. CAUTION: When removing the caliper, never allow it to hang from the brake hose. Provide a suitable support.

Remove the rear brake caliper and support bracket as an assembly.






5. Remove the rear anti-lock speed sensor from the hub.
6. Remove and discard the suspension lower arm nut and bolt.
7. Remove the toe-link nut and bolt.






8. Using the special tools, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.

9. CAUTION: Do not over-angulate the outboard CV joint or damage the boot.






While raising the knuckle, remove the CV joint from the hub.






10. Position the knuckle to gain clear access for the halfshaft removal.

11. CAUTION: The crown of the tool forks must face away from the axle housing. Position the special tool correctly between the CV joint and the axle housing so as not to damage the differential seal.






Using the special tool, exert enough pressure to overcome the axle circlip and separate the CV joint from the differential side gear.

12. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the axle shaft oil seal, install the special tool before removing the inboard CV joint housing from the axle.






Install the special tool.






13. Install the special tool.

Installation

1. NOTE: This procedure applies to both the LH and RH halfshafts.






Install a new axle circlip.






2. Remove the special tool.






3. Position the halfshaft for installation.

4. CAUTION: Differential seal damage will occur if installing the halfshaft without the special tool installed.






Install the special tool.






5. Seat the CV joint in the differential side gear.
1 Slide the CV joint into the axle housing until the shaft splines are past the differential seal.
2 Remove the special tool.
3 Align the CV joint and side gear splines, and slide the joint into the gear until it seats.
- When seated, the axle circlip will lock the CV joint in the differential side gear.






6. Check the axle circlip engagement by attempting to pull the inboard CV joint out of the differential side gear.
^ If the circlip is not seated, push the CV joint inward until the circlip is fully engaged in the differential side gear.

7. CAUTION: Do not over-angulate the outboard CV joint or damage the boot.






While raising the knuckle, install the CV joint into the hub, then position the knuckle onto the lower control arm.

8. CAUTION: Position the suspension at curb ride height before tightening the bolt and nut.






Install the new suspension lower arm bolt and nut.
^ Tighten to 150 Nm (111 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the toe-link nut and bolt.
^ Tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the rear brake caliper and bracket and the bolts.
^ Tighten to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.).






11. Install the rear brake anti-lock sensor and the bolt.
^ Tighten to 7 Nm (5 ft. lbs.).
12. Install the new rear axle wheel hub retainer.
^ Tighten to 300 Nm (221 ft. lbs.).
13. Install the rear wheel and tire assembly.