Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Special Tools

J 42129 - Wheel Hub Remover

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.




3. Insert a drift or punch into the rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

4. Using the appropriate tool, loosen the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.





Note: DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft spindle nut. Replace with NEW.

5. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.




6. Using the J 42129 - remover, disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub/bearing.

7. Remove the rear suspension knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.




8. Using a suitable tool, carefully release the wheel drive shaft from the rear drive module (RDM).





Note: Because of the design of the inner seal wheel drive shaft seal, the seal will be removed at the same time the wheel drive shaft is. Replace the seal, DO NOT re-use the seal.

9. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

10. Remove the wheel drive seal.





Note: DO NOT re-use the retaining clip, replace with new.

11. Remove the retaining ring from the tripod.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the new retaining clip on the tripod.

2. Install the new wheel drive shaft seal.

* For the left side, refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side.

* For the right side, refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side.





Note: When installing the wheel drive shaft, you will notice a slight resistance. This is the wheel drive shaft seal. A snap or click should be heard when the wheel drive shaft is fully seated.

3. Install the wheel drive shaft.

4. Install the rear suspension knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.




5. Hand install a new wheel drive shaft spindle nut.




6. Insert a drift or punch into the rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

7. Tighten the wheel drive shaft spindle nut. Tighten the nut to 205 Nm (151 lb ft).

8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.