Differential Axle Housing: Service and Repair

Fig. 2 Rear axle assembly:

REPLACEMENT
1. Raise vehicle and support rear axle.
2. Disconnect propeller shaft from the rear yoke and remove from transmission, Fig. 2.
3. Support front end of rear axle carrier housing. Ensure the rear axle extension is also supported.
4. Disconnect center support bracket from underbody and the extension housing flange from axle housing.
5. Remove axle extension housing from vehicle. Pry extension housing from axle housing with a suitable screwdriver, if necessary.
6. Reverse procedure to install.




SERVICE
1. Remove bolts securing extension housing to center support bracket.
2. Mount companion flange in a vise and loosen locknut.
3. Drive splined companion flange off shaft by tapping on locknut end of shaft.
4. Remove locknut, companion flange and thrust washer, then pull shaft from housing. If centering bearing, located in the rubber cushion, remains on extension shaft, drive off shaft with a suitable drift.
5. Note position of bearing in rubber cushion and the cushion in center support. Then, using a suitable screwdriver, separate rubber cushion from center support bracket and remove bearing from cushion.
6. Clean, inspect and replace components, if necessary.
7. Install rubber cushion into center support bracket and place center support assembly over extension housing.
8. Press bearing onto extension shaft and insert shaft into housing through rubber cushion. Install thrust washer with circular cavity facing toward bearing, then the companion flange, using the locknut to press flange onto shaft splines.
9. Install bolts retaining bracket to housing.