Removal

CAUTION: This operation disturbs the pinion bearing preload, and this preload must be carefully reset when assembling.

NOTE: Replacement of rear axle drive pinion seal involves removal and installation of only the pinion nut and rear axle universal joint flange.

1. Raise vehicle on a frame contact hoist.

2. Place a screw-type jackstand under rear axle housing. Remove rear axle differential rear insulator to axle housing cover retaining bolts and nuts.

NOTE: This will allow the rear axle housing to pivot forward.





3. Install rear axle differential rear insulator bolt in lower bolt hole as shown.





4. Mark driveshaft centering socket yoke in relation to rear axle universal joint flange. Remove driveshaft retaining bolts.





5. Slide driveshaft forward and rest on driveshaft center bridge support reinforcement.





6. Remove rear axle differential front lower insulator retaining nuts.

WARNING: REAR AXLE HOUSING MUST ALWAYS BE SUPPORTED BY JACKSTAND.





7. Slowly lower rear axle housing to access rear axle universal joint flange.





8. Install a 0-25 Nm (in. lbs.) torque wrench on the pinion nut. Record the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.





9. Mark the rear axle universal joint flange in relation to pinion stem so that rear axle universal joint flange can be reinstalled in the same position.

NOTE: If installing a new rear axle universal joint flange, it is not necessary to mark the rear axle universal joint flange.





10. While holding rear axle universal joint flange with Companion Flange Holding Tool T78P-4851-A, remove pinion nut.





11. Remove rear axle universal joint flange.

CAUTION: The rear axle universal joint flange must never be hammered on or assembled with power tools.

NOTE: If required, use Companion Flange Remover T65L-4851-B.





12. Place a drain pan under the rear axle housing. Position screwdriver under flange of rear axle drive pinion seal and strike with hammer to wedge screwdriver blade between metal flange of rear axle drive pinion seal and rear axle housing.

CAUTION: Do not damage rear axle housing.





13. Pry on metal flange of rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with hammer until rear axle drive pinion seal is removed. Remove rear axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger.