Differential Cover: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement

Removal Procedure




1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (Rear Drive Axle).
3. Remove the nut and brake pipe/harness bracket from the stud.




4. Note the location of the jounce hose bracket bolt (1) and the brake pipe/harness bracket stud (2) before removal.
5. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (4).
Discard the rear axle housing cover bolts.
6. Remove the rear axle housing cover and gasket (3) from the axle housing.

1. Catch the oil in a drain pan.
2. Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the gasket (3) and the rear axle housing cover.

Note: Do not reuse the rear axle housing cover bolts.

2. Install the jounce hose bracket with a new bolt (1) and the new brake pipe/harness bracket stud (2) in their proper locations. Do not tighten.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

3. Install the remaining new rear axle housing cover bolts.

Tighten all the rear axle housing cover bolts in a crosswise pattern to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).




4. Install the brake pipe/harness bracket and nut to the stud.

Tighten the nut to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).

5. Fill the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (Rear Drive Axle).
6. Lower the vehicle.