Rear Half Shaft

REMOVAL

NOTE: This procedure requires the compression of the rear suspension to ride height. A drive-on hoist should be used. If a drive-on hoist is not used, screw-style under-hoist jack stands are required to compress the rear suspension, facilitating rear halfshaft removal.

NOTE: Halfshaft inner and outer boots are not serviceable separately. Boot replacement requires entire shaft assembly replacement.

CAUTION: Unequal-length halfshafts are used. The left halfshaft is shorter than the right, and it is necessary to identify and tag halfshafts upon removal to ensure proper installation.

CAUTION: Never grasp halfshaft assembly by the inner or outer boots. Doing so may cause the boot to pucker or crease, reducing the service life of the boot and joint. Avoid over angulating or stroking the C/V joints when handling the halfshaft.






1. With vehicle in neutral, position and raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Using 14mm hex, remove axle drain plug (1) and drain rear axle fluid into container suitable for fluid reuse.
3. Install drain plug (1) and torque to:
- 198 Axle: 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.)
- 210 Axle: 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.)





4. Remove rear exhaust system (2) on V8-equipped models.





5. Remove wheel/tire assembly (1) from sides that shaft is to be removed.





6. Remove wheel hub nut (1) and discard.





7. Apply alignment index marks (3) to the propeller shaft rubber coupler (1) and axle flange (2).





8. Remove three propeller shaft coupler-to-axle flange bolt/nuts.





9. Using suitable screwdriver (1), partially disengage halfshaft(s) (2) from axle assembly.





10. If a drive-on hoist is used, position transmission jack (1) to rear axle assembly. If a drive-on hoist is not used, compress rear suspension using screw-style under-hoist jack stands (2), then position transmission jack to rear axle assembly.





11. Remove rear axle forward mount isolator (1) bolt/nut (2).






CAUTION: Access to rear axle-to-crossmember bolts is best achieved by use of short socket and a flexible-head ratchet.

12. Remove two rear axle-to-crossmember bolts (1).





13. Carefully lower rear axle. While lowering axle, separate propeller shaft from axle and support with suitable rope or wire (1).






CAUTION: Unequal-length halfshafts are used. The left halfshaft is shorter than the right, and it is necessary to identify and tag halfshafts upon removal to ensure proper installation.

14. Lower axle just enough to remove halfshafts one at a time. Shift axle assembly in one direction, compressing one halfshaft while removing the other (1). Use caution to protect axle seal and journal.






CAUTION: Never grasp halfshaft assembly by the inner or outer boots. Doing so may cause the boot to pucker or crease, reducing the service life of the boot and joint. Avoid over angulating or stroking the C/V joints when handling the halfshaft.

CAUTION: Use care while handling/storing halfshaft assembly. Damage to the slinger can result from improper handling. If slinger gets bent or damaged, straighten slinger to avoid contact with axle seal assembly.

15. Remove halfshaft from hub. Remove and inspect rubber isolation washer (1). Discard washer if rubber surfaces are worn away. Repeat on other side if necessary.





16. Remove axle seals (2) using suitable screwdriver.