Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

DRIVE SHAFT (AXLE)

Removal






1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Disconnect leaf spring from the knuckle.






3. Disconnect tie rod end from the knuckle.
4. Scribe mark on cam bolt and on mounting bracket so they can be realigned in the same position.






5. Remove cam bolt and separate the spindle support rod from the mounting bracket at the carrier.
6. Remove axle shaft turning straps at the spindle and at the side gear yoke.
7. Push out on the wheel and tire assembly and remove the axle shaft.

- "U" Joint Replacement


1. Remove bearing cup lock ring from turning yoke.
2. Support trunnion yoke on a piece of 1-1/4" pipe on arbor press bed.
3. Using suitable socket or rod, press trunnion down far enough to drive opposite bearing cup from yoke.






4. Remove trunnion and press other bearing cup from yoke, being careful not to drop cup or lose bearing rollers.
5. Remove trunnion and yoke from other joint in a similar manner.
6. Remove dust seals from trunnion, clean and inspect bearing rollers and trunnion. Relubricate bearings with a high-melting point wheel bearing type lubricant.

In addition to packing the bearings, make sure that the lubricant reservoir at the end of each trunnion is completely filled with lubricant. In filling these reservoirs, pack lubricant into the hole so as to fill from the bottom. This will prevent air pockets and ensure an adequate supply of lubricant.






7. Partially install one bearing cup into yoke. Place trunnion in yoke and into bearing cup. Install the other bearing cup and press both bearing cups into yoke, being careful to keep trunnion aligned in bearing cups.
8. Press bearing cups far enough to install lock rings, and install lock rings.

It may be more convenient to use a bench vise for removal and installation, instead of an arbor press. In this case, proceed with disassembly and assembly procedure as with an arbor press.

Installation

To install, reverse the removal procedures and include the following:

1. Realign scribe mark on cam bolt with scribe mark on bracket.
2. Torque bolts to specifications.
3. Check and adjust rear suspension alignment as necessary.