Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

HALFSHAFTS

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear wheels.





3. Remove the rear knuckle (1).

Note: The axle halfshafts; are seated in the differential side gears using expandable snap rings. It is necessary to forcefully pry the halfshaft out of the differential.





4. Insert a pry bar between the differential housing and the halfshaft (1).
5. Pry against differential housing until the halfshaft retaining snap ring is disengaged from the differential side gear.

CAUTION: When removing the halfshaft assembly, do not allow the snap ring to drag across the sealing lip of the differential oil seal.





6. Carefully pull the halfshaft (1) out of the differential housing, and remove the halfshaft from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Thoroughly clean the spline and oil sealing surface of the halfshaft.
2. Lightly lubricate the oil seal sealing surface of the halfshaft with clean lubricant.





3. Insert the halfshaft (1) outer end through the wheel hub.
4. Install the halfshaft into the differential side gear as far as possible by hand.
5. Forcefully push the halfshaft into the differential side gear until the snap ring is engaged with the differential side gear.

Note: Grasp the halfshaft and test the snap ring and ensure it is fully engaged with the side gear.





6. Install the rear knuckle (1).

Note: A new halfshaft outer retaining nut must be used.
7. Install the rear wheels.