Axle Beam: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Removal and Replacement.




3. Remove the brake hose bracket bolts (1) attaching the brake hose brackets to the rear brake calipers.

Note:

* It is not necessary to remove the brake rotor from the rear wheel bearing/hubs. The brake rotors can remain on the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly.

* When removing the rear brake caliper assemblies, it is not necessary to remove the hydraulic brakes lines, or the park brake cable from the rear brake caliper. Relocate the brake caliper assembly to the side and support with mechanic's wire.

4. Remove the rear wheel bearing/hubs assemblies. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Rear Suspension.




5. Secure the rear axle assembly to the hydraulic transmission jack (1).

Note: Replace the rear spring insulators or the rear suspension jounce bumper if they are found to be damaged.

6. Remove the rear springs and the insulators. Refer to Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement Rear Suspension.




7. Remove the rear axle bushing nuts (1) and discard the bolts (2). Replace with NEW only.





Note: It maybe necessary to have an assistant to help remove the rear axle from the vehicle.

8. Using the hydraulic transmission jack (1), remove the rear axle (2) from the vehicle.

9. With the aid of an assistant, remove the rear axle assembly from the hydraulic transmission jack.

Installation Procedure




1. With the aide of an assistant, position the rear axle assembly (2) on the hydraulic transmission jack (1).




2. Using the hydraulic transmission jack (1) and the aid of an assistant, position the rear axle (2) in the rear axle brackets.




3. Install the rear axle bushing nuts (1) and the NEW bolts (2) and hand tighten.

4. Using the hydraulic transmission jack, raise the rear axle to trim height.





Warning

This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause bodily injury and damage to the vehicle or component.

5. Tighten the trailing arm nuts (1) to:

* First Pass: 70 Nm (52 lb ft)

* Final Pass: additional 130 degrees

6. Install the rear springs. Refer to Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement Rear Suspension

7. Install the rear wheel bearings/hub assemblies. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Rear Suspension.




8. Install the brake hose bracket bolts (1) attaching the brake hose brackets to the rear brake calipers and tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb in).

9. Install the tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Removal and Replacement

10. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

11. Inspect the trim height and adjust as required. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Trim Height Inspection.