Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Special Tools
* J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
* J 45859 Axle Remover

Removal Procedure




1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement).
4. Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (Service and Repair).
5. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.




6. Remove the pinion shaft.




7. Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.
8. Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).

Note: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.

9. Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).




10. If the axle is difficult to remove, use the J 45859 (1) and the J 2619-01 (2) to remove the axle shaft from the housing.

Installation Procedure





Note: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

1. Install the axle shaft (1) into the rear axle housing (5).
2. Slide the axle shaft (1) into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.
3. Place the lock (4) on the button end of the axle shaft (1).
4. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the differential gear.




5. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

6. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.

Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).

7. Install the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (Service and Repair).
8. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement).
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
10. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities ([1][2]Maintenance) and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations (USA and Canada) (Maintenance).
11. Lower the vehicle.