Page N-1
Repair and Service Manual
REAR AXLE
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
For further axle information, see Electric Rear Axle
Manual P/N 28148-G01.
Refer to REAR SUSPENSION section for axle removal.
REAR AXLE MAINTENANCE
The only maintenance required for the first five years is
the periodic inspection of the lubricant level. The rear
axle is provided with a lubricant level check/fill plug
located on the bottom of the differential. Unless leakage
is evident, the lubricant need only be replaced after five
years.
Checking the Lubricant Level
Clean the area around the check/fill plug and remove
plug. The correct lubricant level is just below the bottom
of the threaded hole. If lubricant is low, add lubricant as
required. Add lubricant slowly until lubricant starts to
seep from the hole. Install the check/fill plug. In the
event that the lubricant is to be replaced, the vehicle
must be elevated and the oil pan removed or the oil
siphoned out through the check/fill hole
(Ref. Fig. 1 on Page N-1).
Fig. 1 Add, Check and Drain Rear Axle Lubricant
REAR AXLE DISASSEMBLY
The rear axle is a precision assembly, and therefore any
repair or replacement of parts must be done with extreme
care in a clean environment. Before attempting to perform
any service on the axle, read and understand all of the
following text and illustrations before disassembling the
unit.
Handle all splines with extreme care.
Snap rings must be removed/installed with care to
prevent damage of bearings, seals and bearing bores.
It is recommended that whenever a bearing, seal or ‘O’ ring is
removed, it be replaced with a new one regardless of mileage.
Always wipe the seals and ‘O’ rings with a light oil before
installing.
To reduce the possibility of personal injury, fol-
low the lifting procedure in SAFETY section of
this manual. Place wheel chocks in front and
behind the front wheels and check the stability
o f t he v e h ic l e o n t h e j a c k s t a n ds b e f o re
starting any repair procedure. Never work on
a vehicle that is supported by a jack alone.
Axle Shaft Removal and Disassembly
Tool List
Qty.
Arbor press ..................................................................1
Bearing separator ........................................................1
Needle nose pliers .......................................................1
Internal snap ring pliers ...............................................1
Slide hammer, P/N 18753-G1......................................1
For brake drum removal, see BRAKES section.
Remove the outer snap ring from the axle tube
(Ref. Fig. 2 on Page N-1).
Fig. 2 Removing/Installing Outer Snap Ring
Attach a slide hammer to the axle shaft thread and
remove the axle and bearing from the axle tube
(Ref. Fig. 3 on Page N-2).
Check/Fill Plug
NOTICE
