Right axleshaft, tube, and bearing (4WD and AWD models) — removal, component replacement, and installation
Note: On 9.25-inch axles, the front axle clutch gear shim adjustment is critical when replacing any parts on the right front drive axle. Proper adjustment should be made by a qualified technician, therefore, the procedure for performing the adjustment is not provided.
Removal
1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, place it securely on jack stands and remove the right front wheel.
2. Remove the differential carrier splash shield, if equipped.
3. Drain the lubricant from the front differential (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
4. Disconnect the shift motor actuator electrical connector.
5. Disconnect the harness from the right axle shaft housing.
6. On 8.25-inch axles, remove the power steering assist motor (see Suspension and steering) and the right front shock absorber.
7. On all axles, unbolt the right drive axle from the axle shaft flange (see Driveaxle (4WD models) — removal and installation). Support the drive axle out of the way with a piece of wire — don’t let it hang by the outer CV joint.
8. On 9.25-inch axles, remove the front axle shift motor (see Front axle shift motor (4WD models) — replacement) and the right stabilizer end link (see Stabilizer bar, bushings and links (front) — removal and installation).
9. On all axles, to prevent the differential carrier from cocking when the axle tube is removed, support it with a floor jack and a block of wood.
10. Remove the nuts that attach the axle shaft to its support bracket.
11. Remove the bolts securing the axle shaft flange to the differential carrier (see illustration).
16.11 Differential carrier right axle tube
A Axle Tube-to-differential carrier bolts (two upper bolts are hidden from view)
B Axle tube mounting nuts
12. Use a brass punch and hammer to tap on the axle shaft and separate it from the differential case side gear. Remove the inner axle shaft assembly and the axle shaft from the vehicle.
13. On 9.25-inch axles, take the axle shaft to a qualified technician to replace the bearing and seal.
14. On 8.25-inch axles, remove the inner seal and bearing. A special tool is required to pull the bearing from the clutch shaft. Install a new bearing and seal.
Installation
15. Using a new gasket, install the inner axle shaft housing assembly and tighten the bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
16. Install the axle shaft to the support bracket, install the nuts and tighten them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
17. On 8.25-inch axles, align the splines of the inner axle shaft with the splines on the differential side gear by slowly rotating the inner axle shaft. Tap the inner axle shaft with a mallet until the ring (clip) on the axle shaft is aligned with the groove in the differential case side gear.
18. Install the axle shaft to the inner flange. Install the axle shaft flange bolts and tighten them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
19. Fill the differential with the proper lubricant (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
20. Install the differential carrier splash shield.
21. Install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications, then check for proper operation.