Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer
to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the brake caliper. Refer to
Rear Brake Caliper Replacement
in Disc Brakes (if equipped).
- Remove the brake drum (if equipped).
- Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to
Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement
.
- Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.
- On axles without a locking
differential, remove the pinion shaft.
- On axles with a locking
differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion
shaft touches the housing.
- On axles with a locking
differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the
differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust
block (2).
- Push the flange of the
axle shaft (1) toward the differential.
- Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).
Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the
shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly
difficult.
- Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).
Installation Procedure
Important: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.
- Install the axle shaft (1) into the rear axle housing (5).
- Slide the axle shaft (1) into place allowing the splines to engage
the differential side gear.
- On axles without a locking differential, place the lock (4) on
the button end of the axle shaft (1).
- On axles with a locking differential, keep the pinion shaft partially
withdrawn.
- On axles with a locking
differential, place the C-lock (1) on the axle shaft (3) so that the
ends are flush with the thrust block (2).
- Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the
differential gear.
- Align the hole in the
pinion shaft with the bolt 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.
- Install the new
pinion shaft locking bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).
- Install the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to
Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement
.
- Install the brake caliper. Refer to
Rear Brake Caliper Replacement
in Disc Brakes (if equipped).
- Install the brake drum (if equipped).
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to
Approximate Fluid Capacities
and
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
in Maintenance
and Lubrication.
- Lower the vehicle.