-10mm Socket wrench
-14mm Socket wrench
-17mm Socket wrench
-22mm Socket wrench
-Breaker bar
-Hammer/Mallet
-Wire brush
- penetrating lubricant
-Chocks
-Jack and jack stands
-Safety glasses
-Gloves
Procedure
1. Prepare the vehicle.
-Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down completely.
-Engage the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels.
- Use the 22mm socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them completely.
3. Raise the vehicle and place it on jack stands
- Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the vehicle until the rear tires are off the ground.
-Place jack stands under the vehicle frame near the rear wheels to support the vehicle.
4. Remove the rear wheels.
- Now you can completely remove the lug nuts and remove the wheels.
5. Remove the brake calipers.
- use a 14mm socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper to the hub assembly.
-Gently pry the brake caliper off the rotor using a pry bar or hammer.
-Hang the brake calipers out of the way with some wire.
6. Remove the rear axle shaft nuts.
-Use the 17mm socket wrench and breaker bar to remove the two nuts that hold the rear axle shaft to the differential.
7. Tap the axle shaft out of the differential.
- Use a hammer or mallet to tap the axle shaft out of the differential.
8. Remove the rear axle shaft from the hub assembly.
-Pull the axle shaft out of the hub assembly.
- Repeat for the other side.
9. Installation is the reverse of removal
-To reinstall the axle shaft, insert it into the hub assembly and replace the axle shaft nuts. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque.
- Reinstall the brake caliper and brake caliper bracket.
- Reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
- Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
10. Test drive the vehicle.
- Take the vehicle for a short test drive to make sure the repaired suspension is working properly.
Important notes
- Be sure to use the correct size socket wrench and torque settings when loosening and tightening the lug nuts and axle shaft nuts.
- If the axle shaft is stuck, be sure to use a breaker bar to loosen the nuts. Do not use a hammer or mallet to hit the axle shaft, as this could damage it.
- If you are unable to remove the axle shaft, you may need to take the vehicle to a mechanic for repairs.
