Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

NOTE: Do not begin this removal procedure unless following parts are available: new hub retainer nut, new inboard CV joint stub shaft circlip, and new differential oil seal. Once removed, these parts must not be reused during assembly. Their torque holding ability is diminished during removal.

1. Remove wheel cover/hub cover and remove hub retainer nut, then loosen wheel nuts.
2. Raise and support vehicle on a frame contact hoist.
3. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly.
4. On models with drum brakes, remove brake drum.
5. On models with disc brakes, proceed as follows:
a. Remove anti-lock brake sensors.
b. Pull back on parking brake release lever and at same time pull on cable. This will slacken cable so cable end can be removed from brake caliper attachment.
c. Remove upper and lower brake caliper attaching bolts.
d. Remove caliper assembly from rotor, then carefully wire caliper to brake junction bracket.
e. Remove brake rotor push nuts and remove rotor.
6. Remove upper control arm bolts and nuts, then wire upper control arm to upper shock absorber so that it does not damage CV joint boots when halfshaft is removed.
7. Using a paint marker, mark position of lower control arm in relation to knuckle with lower bushings in their relaxed position. When upper control arm bolt is removed from knuckle, lower bushings will return to their relaxed positions.

CAUTION: Failure to mark this position will result in bushing wind-up on assembly and incorrect ride height, causing misalignment and premature tire wear.

Mounting Hub Removal Tool:

8. Install hub remover T81P-1104-C, or equivalent to hub studs as shown.
9. Turn wrench counterclockwise until halfshaft is free in hub.
10. Remove lower control arm attaching bolts.
11. Remove knuckle assembly while supporting outboard CV joint and boot. Carefully rest halfshaft on lower control arm.
12. Insert CV joint removal tool T89P-3514-A, or equivalent between differential housing and CV joint. Push tool outward until CV joint becomes free from differential side gear.

CAUTION: Extreme care must be taken to prevent damage to the differential oil seal, differential housing, sensor ring and/or CV joint and boot.

13. Remove halfshaft from vehicle, then plug differential housing to prevent loss of lubricant.
14. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Install new differential oil seal and circlip on inboard CV joint.
b. Ensure to align reference marks on lower control arm to marks on knuckle/bushing assembly.
c. If equipped with rear disc brakes, Torque caliper retaining bolts to 80-100 ft lb.
d. If equipped with anti-lock brakes, Torque brake sensor retaining bolts to 14-20 ft lb.