Tools Required

J 39446 ABS Exciter Ring Protector Kit

1. Remove the rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Remove the rear brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
3. Remove the rear axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .



4. Install a J 39446 onto the speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) on vehicles that are equipped with non-traction control axles.
5. Remove the pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5) from the differential case.
6. Remove the pinion gear shaft from the differential case.
7. Push the flanged end of the axle shaft into the rear axle housing (7) in order to access the rear axle shaft lock.
8. Remove the rear axle shaft lock (1).

Important: Do not damage the rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) during axle shaft removal on vehicles that are equipped with traction control.

The rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel is located on the axle shaft.
If the rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel is damaged, replace the rear axle shaft.
9. Remove the rear axle shaft from the rear axle housing (7).

1. Install the rear axle shaft into place.

Ensure that the following conditions are met:

•	The splines on the end of the axle shaft do not damage the rear wheel bearing seal.

•	The splines on the end of the axle shaft engage with splines of the differential side gear.




2. Install the rear axle shaft lock (1).

Push the axle shaft outward so that the rear axle shaft lock (1) seats in the counterbore of the differential side gear.

3. Install the pinion gear shaft through the following components:

•	The differential case

•	The pinion gear thrust washers

•	The pinion gears

•	Align the hole in the pinion gear shaft with the rear axle shaft lock bolt/screw hole in the differential case.

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.

4. Coat the pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5) with Loctite 242 or an equivalent.
5. Install the pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5).

Tighten
Tighten the differential pinion gear shaft lock bolt/screw (5) to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).

6. Remove J 39446 from the speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) if the vehicle has a standard rear axle.

If a new speed sensor reluctor wheel (6) was installed, remove and discard the plastic covering.

7. Install the rear axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
8. Install the rear brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
9. Install the rear tire and the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.