Axle Shaft Removal and Installation

Fig. 4 Axle housing exploded view. Conquest:

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle.
2. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly, then disconnect parking brake cable from rear brake caliper.
3. Remove rear caliper assembly, caliper support and rotor. Support caliper assembly with suitable piece of wire to prevent damage to brake hose.
4. Remove four drive axle to companion flange attaching bolts, then disconnect the drive axle.
5. Remove axle housing from lower control arm and strut assembly.
6. Position axle housing in suitable vise, then loosen companion flange nut and washer.
7. Using suitable hammer free axle shaft from bearings, then remove nut, companion flange and axle shaft.
8. Remove dust covers, then using tool C-4381 and bearing puller C-293-PA, remove rear axle bearings.
9. Press fit new outer bearing to axle shaft. The seal side of outer bearing should face the flange side of the axle shaft.
10. Apply suitable grease to axle housing inside surface, then press fit inner bearing with seal side facing companion flange.
11. Install oil seal with suitable seal installer until seal contacts edge of axle housing.
12. Install axle housing, the apply suitable oil to seal lip.
13. Assemble axle housing.
14. Measure axle axial endplay with dial indicator. If endplay exceeds 0.031 inch, replace bearing.