Axle Beam: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: When removing the rear springs, do not use a twin-post type hoist. The swing arch tendency of the rear axle assembly when certain fasteners are removed may cause it to slip from the hoist which may cause personal injury.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Use a utility stand in order to support the rear axle.
4. Remove the rear axle coil springs, the spring seats, and the spring insulators. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement (Front Wheel Drive with Axle) (Rear Suspension Coil Spring).
5. Remove the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement).
6. Disconnect the intermediate brake hoses from the rear axle brake pipes. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes) (Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes)).
7. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
8. Use the utility stand in order to lower the rear axle.
9. Remove the utility stand.
10. Lower the vehicle until the rear axle is approximately 13 mm (0.5 in) above the ground.




11. Remove the rear axle control arm bolts and nuts.
12. Remove the rear axle.
13. Remove the brake pipes and the brake hoses from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes) (Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes)), if applicable, andBrake Pipe Replacement (Brake Pipe Replacement).
14. Remove the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (Without Independent Suspension) (Rear Suspension).

Installation Procedure




1. Install the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (Without Independent Suspension) (Rear Suspension).
2. Install the brake pipes and the brake hoses to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes) (Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes)), if applicable, andBrake Pipe Replacement (Brake Pipe Replacement).
3. Position the rear axle under the vehicle.
4. Install the control arm bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice).

Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:


* The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.

* The fastener develops 4 N.m (37 lb in) of torque/drag against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.


If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.


5. Install the control arm nuts.

Tighten the control arm nuts to 220 N.m (162 lb ft).

6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
7. Use the utility stand in order to raise the rear axle.
8. Install the rear axle coil springs, the spring seats, and the spring insulators. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement (Front Wheel Drive with Axle) (Rear Suspension Coil Spring).
9. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (Rear Brake Caliper Replacement).
10. Install the park brake cables to the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement (With Solid Axle) (Park Brake Rear Cable Replacement (With Solid Axle)).
11. Install the intermediate brake hoses to the rear axle brake pipes. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes) (Rear Brake Hose Replacement (Disc Brakes)).
12. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) (Service and Repair)Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) (Service and Repair).
13. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
14. Install the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
15. Lower the vehicle.