Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Maintenance) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (Rear Brake Rotor Replacement) .
4. Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (Service and Repair) .
5. Remove the rear wheel speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement (Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement) .
6. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.




7. Remove the pinion shaft.




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





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


10. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.



Installation Procedure






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


1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.
2. Slide the axle shaft 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.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .

6. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.

Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 53 N.m (39 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 rear wheel speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement (Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement) .
9. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (Rear Brake Rotor Replacement) .
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
11. Fill the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (Rear Drive Axle) .
12. Lower the vehicle.