Release the ABS harness from the bracket on the subframe.
Tap the exposed end of the halfshaft with a nylon mallet to release it.
With assistance, swing the brake
rotor and knuckle assembly outward and release the outer halfshaft spline from the
rear hub, using a driver to disengage the axle from the hub splines.
Warning
To reduce the risk of personal injury, wear cut resistant gloves and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as required when removing the halfshaft. Keep hands clear from other components to prevent injury when the halfshaft releases from the Drive Unit.
Position the axle remover cable around the inner joint of the LH rear drive unit halfshaft, and then use a cable tie to hold the axle remover cable in position.
Figure 1. Axle removed from drive unit for demonstration purposes
Hook the axle remover slide hammer on the 2 axle remover cable loops, and then use the slide hammer to remove the halfshaft from the drive unit.
Carefully withdraw the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the halfshaft boots and oil seals, exercise caution when removing and installing halfshafts.
CAUTION
Plug the transmission opening to prevent ingress of dirt or moisture.
Installation
Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:
CAUTION
Ensure that the new halfshaft has a snap-ring already installed. If it does not, then install a different halfshaft that has a snap-ring already installed. Return any halfshafts without a snap-ring using the MRB process. Do not remove or reuse snap-rings.
Apply approximately 1 gram of Molykote M-77 Lubricant Paste only to the hub mating face on the outboard side of the halfshaft.
CAUTION
Do not apply any lubricant to the halfshaft splines. If lubricant is mistakenly applied, wipe the splines clean with a shop towel.
When installing the halfshaft(s) into the drive unit:
Make sure that the opening of the snap ring is facing towards the bottom of the drive unit.
Do not damage or displace the oil seal.
Verify that the halfshaft is fully seated:
Carefully push the halfshaft into the drive unit until there is an audible "click" from the halfshaft stub contacting the pinion shaft.
There will be a slight pulling sensation on the halfshaft as the halfshaft circlip locks into place.
Pull on the inner halfshaft cup to confirm that the circlip is locked into place. If the halfshaft detaches from the drive unit then reinstall the halfshaft and then test that it is fully seated.
Pump the brake pedal at least 5 times to seat the pads against the brake rotors.
Warning
Always check that the brake pads are seated correctly before driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position.
CAUTION
Ensure that the bolt that secures the spring assembly to the knuckle is inserted towards the rear of the vehicle; the head of the bolt faces the front of the vehicle and the nut is tightened at the rear.
