Contents: Removal ↓ Installation ↓
The axle shaft with the bearing is replaced if it is deformed or the bearing is heavily worn, which is expressed in noticeable axial play of the suspended wheel. The axle shaft seal is subject to replacement if oil is detected getting into the rear wheel brake mechanism, as well as in any case when replacing the axle shaft.
Removal
1. Place the vehicle on an inspection pit or overpass (see "Preparing a car for maintenance and repair").
2. Remove the brake drum (see "Rear wheel brake pads - replacement").
3. Using a jack, additionally lift the rear axle on the side of the axle shaft being replaced to prevent oil from leaking out of the beam.
4. Turn the axle shaft until the large diameter holes in its flange align with the two brake shield mounting nuts.
5. With a socket wrench at 17 mm using an extension, unscrew the nuts and remove the spring washers.
We unscrew the remaining two nuts in the same way.
6. It is more convenient to remove the axle shaft with a special puller, but if you don't have one, you can use the removed wheel. We fasten it with two bolts with the outer side to the axle shaft flange, but we do not tighten the bolts completely to ensure the action of the wheel inertia force. With a sharp movement towards ourselves, we pull the axle shaft bearing out of the flange of the rear axle beam.
7. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the wheel and take out the axle shaft. There is a rubber sealing ring installed between the beam flange and the brake shield, do not lose it.
8. Using sliding pliers or another suitable tool, remove the axle shaft seal from the beam flange hole.
Installation
1. Before installing a new seal, apply plastic grease to its seating surface and working edge.
2. Install the seal into the hole in the beam flange (spring inside the beam) and using light hammer blows through a bushing of a suitable diameter, we press it in.
3. Install the axle shaft and other parts in the reverse order of their removal. Be careful not to damage the seal with the splined end of the axle shaft.
4. Check the oil level in the rear axle, add oil if necessary (see "Rear Axle - Checking Oil Level and Changing Oil").