Note: Ensure the brakes are fully released and do not drag.

Pull or push the tire at the top back and forth in order to test the wheel bearing play.

Special Tools

J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.



3. Remove the hub adjuster nut retaining ring.



4. Remove the adjuster nut lock key.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




5. Tighten the wheel bearing adjusting nut using the J 2222-C .

Rotate the hub in the opposite direction to the way the adjuster nut is turning.

Ensure the inner bearing and the seal seats against the spindle shoulder and tighten the adjusting nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

6. Turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the nut is loose using the J 2222-C .
7. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise until the nut contacts the bearing cone. Torque on the nut must be zero to finger tight.



8. Insert the adjusting nut lock key into the keyway using one of the following procedures:

•	If the adjusting nut slot is in alignment with the keyway in the axle spindle, insert the adjusting nut lock key into the keyway in the axle spindle.

Note: Do not turn the adjusting nut more than one slot counterclockwise in order to align the adjusting nut slot with the keyway in the axle spindle.

•	If the adjusting nut slot is not aligned with the keyway in the axle spindle, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the adjusting nut slot is in alignment with the keyway in the axle spindle and insert the adjusting nut lock key.




9. Install the retaining ring.
10. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
11. Inspect the lubricant level and add, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
12. Lower the vehicle.