Service Procedure

A. Axle Shaft Inspection

NOTE:
Only axle shafts found with an inverted "S" cast into the axle shaft
flange, as determined by the following inspection, require replacement. Very few vehicles are expected to require axle shaft replacement.

1. Apply the park brake.

2. If equipped, remove the left rear wheel cover.





3. Inspect the axle shaft flange for an inverted "S" cast into the axle shaft flange (Figure 1).

> If an inverted "S" was not found on the face of the axle flange, the axle shaft does not require replacement. Install the wheel cover (if equipped) and return the vehicle to the owner.

> If an inverted "S" was found on the face of the axle flange, replace the axle shaft. Continue with Section B. Axle Shaft Replacement.

B. Axle Shaft Replacement

NOTE:
The following procedure is required if the axle shaft requires
replacement per the inspection in Section "A." Very few vehicles are expected to require this repair.





1. Remove the axle shaft retaining nuts (Figure 2).

2. Place a small drain pan under the axle hub.

3. Pull the axle shaft out of the axle housing and discard (Figure 2).

4. Clean the hub-to-axle shaft flange mating surface.

5. Apply a light coat of Mopar Hylomar Flange Sealant (PN 05127819AA) to the new axle shaft flange.

CAUTION:
Do not use RTV silicone sealants to seal axle shaft flange to the axle hub.

6. Insert the new axle shaft into the axle housing.

7. Install the six axle shaft nuts onto the axle shaft studs. Tighten the axle shaft nuts to 48 ft. lbs. (65 Nm).

8. Install the wheel cover (if equipped).





9. Using a mechanics creeper, slide under the rear of the vehicle, remove the rubber fill plug on the rear axle cover and check and/or fill the axle gear lubricant as required (Figure 3).

NOTE:
Use Gear Lubricant SAE 90.