Special Tools

J 44394-A Seal Protector

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

Note: The wheel drive shaft spindle nut must not be reused. Replace the wheel drive shaft spindle nut with a new nut whenever it is removed.




3. Insert a drift or punch into the brake rotor and against the caliper in order to prevent the wheel hub and bearing from turning.
4. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
5. Remove the drift or punch from the rotor.
6. Remove the rear knuckle assembly. Refer to Knuckle Replacement.



7. Using a suitable tool, carefully release the wheel drive shaft from the rear differential enough to install the J 44394-A .




Caution: J-44394 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install J-44394 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.

8. Carefully install the J 44394-A over the wheel drive shaft.
9. Carefully slide the J 44394-A into the differential output shaft seal.
10. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

1. Inspect the wheel drive shaft retaining ring and replace if necessary.




Caution: J-44394 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install J-44394 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.

2. If previously removed carefully install J 44394-A into the differential output shaft seal.

Note: In order to prevent lubricant leaks, use care when installing the wheel drive shaft to the differential. Do not damage the oil seal. Replace the oil seal if it becomes nicked, distorted, or is otherwise damaged.




3. Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the splines are past the J 44394-A .



4. Carefully remove the J 44394-A from the differential output shaft seal.



5. Carefully remove J 44394-A from the wheel drive shaft.
6. Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the retaining ring is engaged.
7. Ensure the wheel drive shaft retaining ring is fully engaged to the differential by grasping the inner joint housing and pulling outward. The wheel drive shaft will stay positively engaged if properly installed to the differential.
8. Install the rear knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement.

Note: Ensure that the drive shaft seals do not have any abrasions, cuts, or punctures.

9. Loosely install the NEW wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
10. Insert a drift or punch into the brake rotor and against the caliper in order to prevent the wheel hub and bearing from turning.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




11. Use the new wheel drive shaft spindle nut to slowly pull the spindle to the wheel hub and bearing assembly and tighten to 215 N·m (159 lb ft).
12. Remove the drift or punch from the rotor.
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
14. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
15. Lower the vehicle.