Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement
Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement
Special Tools
J 44394-A - Seal Protector
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. For vehicles with RPO J56, proceed to step 6. For those without RPO J56, proceed to step 4.
4. Insert a drift or punch (1) in the brake rotor cooling fins.
5. Rotate the brake rotor until rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
6. Using a breaker bar and the proper size socket, loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
7. Insert a drift or punch (1) in the brake rotor cooling fins.
8. Place a clean shop towel (2) between the drift or punch and the brake caliper (3).
9. Rotate the brake rotor until it rest against the brake caliper body.
10. Using a breaker bar (5) and the proper size socket (4), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
Note: DO NOT reuse the wheel drive shaft nut. Replace with NEW only.
11. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut (1).
12. Remove the rear knuckle assembly. Refer to Knuckle Replacement (Rear Suspension).
13. 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.
Note: Use care when installing the J 44394-A - protector.
14. Install the J 44394-A - protector over the wheel drive shaft.
15. With the J 44394-A - protector in place, remove the wheel drive shaft.
Installation Procedure
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.
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.
2. Install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the splines are past the J 44394-A - protector.
3. Remove the J 44394-A - protector from the differential output shaft seal.
4. Install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the retaining ring is engaged.
5. 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.
6. Install the rear knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement (Rear Suspension).
Note: Ensure that the drive shaft seals do not have any abrasions, cuts, or punctures.
7. Hand start install the NEW wheel drive shaft spindle nut (1).
8. For vehicles with RPO J56, proceed to step 11. For those without RPO J56, proceed to step 9.
9. Insert a drift or punch (1) in the brake rotor cooling fins.
10. Rotate the brake rotor until rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
11. Insert a drift or punch (1) in the brake rotor cooling fins.
12. Place a clean shop towel (2) between the drift or punch and the brake caliper (3).
13. Rotor the brake rotor until it comes in rest against with the brake caliper body.
14. Using a breaker bar (5) and the proper size socket (4), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
15. Using a torque wrench and the proper size socket, tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 215 Nm (159 lb ft).
16. Remove the drift or punch and shop towel from the rotor.
17. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
18. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (Rear Drive Axle).
19. Lower the vehicle.