Axle Shaft, Bearing & Oil Seal

The following procedures apply to four wheel drive models, for axle bearing replacement procedures on front wheel drive models, refer to REAR HUB & WHEEL BEARING.

Fig. 4 Axle Shaft Bearing & Oil Seal Replacement.:

1. Remove rear wheel and tire assemblies.
2. Remove cotter pin, bearing locknut cap and bearing locknut, Fig. 4.
3. Disconnect parking brake cable.
4. Remove brake caliper and suspend aside using suitable wire.
5. Remove brake rotor.
6. Using suitable dial indicator, inspect bearing play in axial direction, .0020 inch or less should be indicated, if not as indicated, replace bearing.
7. Using suitable dial indicator, inspect bearing play in axial direction, .0028 inch or less should be indicated.
8. On models equipped with anti-lock brakes, remove rear speed sensor.
9. On all models, remove parking brake assembly.
10. Remove parking brake cable.
11. Remove two axle carrier attaching set nuts and bolts with camber adjusting cam.
12. Disconnect strut rod from axle carrier.
13. Disconnect No. 1 suspension arm from axle carrier.
14. Disconnect No. 2 suspension arm from axle carrier.
15. Remove axle carrier from hub, covering driveshaft boot with cloth to protect from damage.
16. Using suitable tool, remove axle shaft from axle hub, then remove bearing inner race from axle shaft.
17. Remove dust cover.
18. Using suitable tool, remove inner and outer oil seal.
19. Using suitable snap ring pliers, remove hole snap ring.
20. Using suitable press, remove bearing from axle carrier.
21. Reverse procedure to install.