Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair
REMOVAL1. Loosen rear axle shaft collar nut.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Secure assembly from turning. Remove attaching bolts and disconnect rear axle shaft from shaft flange.
4. Separate rear axle shaft from shaft flange by telescoping rear axle shaft in an axial direction and swiveling assembly upward.
5. Using a suitable puller, remove rear axle shaft. Push front end of shaft downward and remove from vehicle. Ensure universal joint end cover is not loosening when removing rear axle shaft.
6. Check synchromesh joints as well as the rubber sleeves and end cover for leaks and damage.
INSTALLATION
For installation of rear axle shafts, reverse removal procedure and proceed as follows:
1. Install new attaching bolts and collar nut, as required.
2. Protect flange-on surface between connecting flange and end cover to rear axle shaft against contamination.
3. Before installing attaching bolts, coat bolt threads with clean oil.
4. Tighten attaching bolts and collar nut.
5. Lock collar nut at crush flange to prevent nut from backing off.