Axle Shafts & Bearings Replace

Fig. 4 Removing differential pinion shaft lock pin:

Fig. 5 Removing C-lock washers:

Fig. 6 Removing axle shaft bearing and seal. Exc. 9-1/4 inch HD axle:

Fig. 7 Removing axle shaft & bearing seal. 1984-87 9-1/4 inch HD axle:

8-3/8 & 9-1/4 INCH

1. Raise and support vehicle and remove brake drum.
2. Clean area around housing cover, then loosen housing cover and allow lubricant to drain. Remove cover.
3. Turn differential case until pinion shaft lock screw is accessible and remove lock screw and pinion shaft.
4. Push axle shaft inward and remove C-washer locks from axle shaft, then pull axle shaft from housing being careful not to damage axle shaft bearing. Inspect axle shaft bearing surfaces for signs of spalling or pitting. If any of these conditions exist, both shaft and bearing should be replaced. Normal bearing contact on shaft should be a dull gray and may appear lightly dented.
5. Remove axle shaft bearing and seal from axle housing using tools C-4167 and C-637 on all models except 1984-87 9-1/4 inch HD axle, or tool C-4828 on 1984-87 9-1/4 inch HD axle. If bearing shows no sign of excessive wear or damage, it can be reused along with a new seal. Never reuse an axle shaft seal. Remove any burrs that may be present in housing bearing shoulder, as bearing could become cocked during installation.

Fig. 8 Installing axle shaft oil seal:

6. Using suitable tools, install bearing, making sure it does not become cocked. Drive bearing until it bottoms against shoulder. Do not use seal to position or bottom bearing as this will damage seal.
7. Using tool C-4130 or equivalent, install axle shaft bearing seal until outer flange of tool bottoms against housing flange face. This will position seal to the proper depth.
8. Reverse disassembly procedure to reassemble axle.