Rear Drive Halfshafts

Halfshaft













Removal and Installation

1. NOTICE: Do not loosen the rear axle wheel end nut until after the wheel and tire assembly are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting. Vehicle Lifting

2. Remove the rear wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

3. Remove the halfshaft nut.
- To install, tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).





4. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the rear axle halfshaft assembly from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal Constant Velocity (CV) joint components may result.

Using the Front Wheel Hub Remover, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.





5. Remove the brake cable retainer screw.
- To install, tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).





6. Remove and discard the outboard toe link nut and back out the bolt for clearance.
- To install, tighten to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at curb ride height.





7. Remove and discard the lower arm outboard bolt.
- To install, tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) at curb ride height.





8. Remove and discard the 3 wheel knuckle bolts.
- To install, tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).





9. Pivot the wheel knuckle assembly upward on the upper arm outboard bolt.
- Loosen the upper arm bolt to prevent bushing damage.
- To install, tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) at curb ride height.





10. Using the Halfshaft Remover and Handle, disengage the inboard CV joint housing from the differential side gear.





11. Remove the halfshaft assembly.

12. NOTICE: Do not tighten the wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

Position the halfshaft in the hub and use the previously removed hub nut to seat the halfshaft.

- Tighten to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

- Remove and discard the hub nut.

13. NOTICE: The wheel hub nut contains a one-time locking chemical that is activated by the heat created when it is tightened. Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification within 5 minutes of starting it on the threads. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightened within the specified time or damage to the components can occur.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

Install a new hub nut.

- Tighten to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

14. NOTE: Always install a new differential stub shaft seal whenever the halfshaft is removed. For additional information, refer to Differential Assembly &/or Axle Shaft Assembly.

NOTE: Make sure the halfshaft is completely seated in the differential side gear by pushing the halfshaft into the rear axle assembly until an audible click is heard or a leak may occur from the axle assembly.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.