Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair

1. Raise and support vehicle, then position safety stands under rear frame crossmember.
2. Drain lubricant from axle by removing axle housing cover.
3. Remove wheels, rear disc brake calipers and rear disc brake rotors.
4. Remove differential pinion shaft lock pin from differential pinion shaft, then differential pinion shaft.
5. Carefully remove rear brake anti-lock sensor.

CAUTION: Damage to rear brake anti-lock sensor may occur if sensor is not removed before axle shaft.

6. Push axle shafts inward to remove rear axle shaft U-washers, then remove axle shafts.
7. Remove brake junction block to axle housing cover bolt, then brake hose support bracket from clips and position aside.
8. Disconnect driveshaft at rear axle universal joint flange and wire it to underbody. Mark driveshaft centering socket yoke and rear axle universal joint flange.
9. Support rear axle housing with jackstands or hoist, then disengage rear brake hose from rear brake hose to rear axle housing clips.
10. Disconnect rear axle housing vent from rear axle housing. Some rear axle housing vents may be secured to rear axle housing through brake junction block. At assembly apply Threadlock and sealer E0AZ-19554-AA or equivalent, to thread to ensure retention.
11. Disconnect lower shock absorber studs from rear shock absorber lower mounting bracket on rear axle housing, then remove rear suspension arm and bushing nuts and bolts from axle housing rear bracket mountings.
12. Lower rear axle housing assembly until rear springs are released, then lift out rear springs.
13. Remove rear suspension lower arm to rear axle housing nuts and bolts, then disconnect both rear suspension lower arms from rear axle housing.
14. Lower rear axle housing and remove it from vehicle.
15. Reverse procedure to install, noting following:
a. Installing rear wheel bearing or inner wheel bearing oil seal without proper tool may result in an early rear wheel bearing or inner wheel bearing oil seal failure. If inner wheel bearing oil seal becomes cocked in bore during installation, remove it and install a new one.
b. Differential pinion shaft lock pin must be tightened to specification using stud and bearing mount E0AZ-19554-BA, or equivalent.
c. Ensure machined surfaces on both axle housing cover and rear axle housing are clean before installing new silicone sealant. Inside of axle must be covered when cleaning machined surface to prevent axle contamination. Tighten axle housing cover bolt in crosswise pattern to ensure uniform draw on axle housing cover.