NOTE: Axle seals, axle bearings, pinion seals and
differential cover are the only serviceble compo-
nents. If differential is damaged/noisy the axle must
be replaced.

GEAR NOISE

Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-

cant, incorrect backlash, incorrect pinion depth, tooth
contact, worn/damaged gears, or the carrier housing
not having the proper offset and squareness.

Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed

range. The noise can also occur during a specific type
of driving condition. These conditions are accelera-
tion, deceleration, coast, or constant load.

When road testing, first warm-up the axle fluid by

driving the vehicle at least 5 miles and then acceler-
ate the vehicle to the speed range where the noise is
the greatest. Shift out-of-gear and coast through the
peak-noise range. If the noise stops or changes
greatly:

• Check for insufficient lubricant.

• Incorrect ring gear backlash.

• Gear damage.
Differential side gears and pinions can be checked

by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause

noise during straight-ahead driving when the gears
are unloaded. The side gears are loaded during vehi-
cle turns. A worn pinion shaft can also cause a snap-
ping or a knocking noise.

BEARING NOISE

The axle shaft, differential and pinion bearings can

all produce noise when worn or damaged. Bearing
noise can be either a whining, or a growling sound.

Pinion bearings have a constant-pitch noise. This

noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion bearing
noise will be higher pitched because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing
is the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is
heard during a coast, the front pinion bearing is the
source.

Differential bearings usually produce a low pitch

noise. Differential bearing noise is similar to pinion
bearing noise. The pitch of differential bearing noise
is also constant and varies only with vehicle speed.

Axle shaft bearings produce noise and vibration

when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
This will load the bearings and change the noise
level. Where axle bearing damage is slight, the noise
is usually not noticeable at speeds above 30 mph.

3 - 12

REAR AXLE

LOW SPEED KNOCK

Low speed knock is generally caused by a worn

U-joint or by worn side-gear thrust washers. A worn
pinion shaft bore will also cause low speed knock.

VIBRATION

Vibration at the rear of the vehicle is usually

caused by a:

• Damaged drive shaft.

• Missing drive shaft balance weight(s).

• Worn or out-of-balance wheels.

• Loose wheel lug nuts.

• Worn U-joint(s).

• Loose/broken springs.

• Damaged axle shaft bearing(s).

• Loose pinion gear nut.

• Excessive pinion yoke run out.

• Bent axle shaft(s).
Check for loose or damaged front-end components

or engine/transmission mounts. These components
can contribute to what appears to be a rearend vibra-
tion. Do not overlook engine accessories, brackets
and drive belts.

NOTE: All driveline components should be exam-
ined before starting any repair.

DRIVELINE SNAP

A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted

into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:

• High engine idle speed.

• Transmission shift operation.

• Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.

• Worn U-joints.

• Loose spring mounts.

• Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.

• Excessive ring gear backlash.

• Excessive side gear to case clearance.
The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be deter-

mined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the vehi-
cle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate. Instruct
the helper to shift the transmission into gear. Listen
for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is helpful in
isolating the source of a noise.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN AND FILL

NOTE: Drain oil when warm.

(1) Clean area around oil fill plug and drain plug.
(2) Remove oil drain plug (2) and drain oil (Fig. 1).
(3) Install oil drain plug and tighten to N·m 100

(74 ft. lbs.).

(4) Remove oil fill plug (1) and fill housing up to

bottom edge of oil fill hole (Fig. 1).

(5) Install oil fill plug and tighten to N·m 100 (74

ft. lbs.).

Fig. 1 FILL PLUG

1 - FILL PLUG
2 - DRAIN PLUG

REAR AXLE

3 - 13

REMOVAL

Fig. 2 SINGLE REAR WHEEL AXLE

1 - REAR SPRING

12 - WEAR INDICATOR CONNECTOR

2 - U-BRACKET

13 - BRAKE HOSE

3 - PLATE

14 - WHEEL BOLT

4 - NUT

15 - BOLT

5 - BRAKE CABLE

16 - NUT

6 - REAR AXLE

17 - PROPELLER SHAFT

7 - ABL LEVER

18 - BOLT

8 - NUT

19 - ABS SENSOR

9 - SHOCK ABSORBER

20 - SENSOR BUSHING

10 - BOLT

21 - VENT LINE

11 - WEAR INDICATOR CABLE

3 - 14

REAR AXLE

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a suitable lifting device under the axle

and secure axle to device.

(3) Remove wheels and tires.
(4) Unplug wear indicator cable (Fig. 2) and (Fig.

3).

(5) Detach cable connector for brake pad wear

indicator.

(6) Remove ABS sensor and clamp bushing from

mounting bore.

NOTE: The right-hand ABS sensor cable is labeled
at the factory with a white tag.

(7) Remove cable ties from the park brake cables.

Release connection cable of brake pad wear indicator
and ABS sensor cable up to the relay unit of the
parking brake.

(8) Remove brake cables.
(9) Remove hand brake cable at relay unit.

(10) Remove bracket for brake cables at rear axle

tube.

(11) Remove stabilizer bar from axle brackets.
(12) Remove shock absorber bolts from rear axle.
(13) Remove ALB lever from rear axle bracket.
(14) Pull vent line of rear axle out of frame.
(15) Remove propeller shaft.
(16) Remove brake calipers.
(17) Remove U-brackets and plates (Fig. 2) and

(Fig. 3).

(18) Remove axle from the vehicle.

Fig. 3 DUAL REAR WHEEL AXLE

1 - SPRING

12 - BRAKE HOSE

2 - SPRING SHACKLE

13 - LUG NUT

3 - PLATE

14 - NUT

4 - COLLAR NUT

15 - WASHER

5 - BRAKE CABLE

16 - BOLT

6 - REAR AXLE

17 - SHOCK ABSORBER

7 - ALB LEVER

18 - PROPELLER SHAFT

8 - NUT

19 - BOLT

9 - BOLT

20 - ABS SENSOR

10 - WEAR INDICATOR CABLE

21 - SENSOR BUSHING

11 - WEAR INDICATOR CONNECTOR

REAR AXLE

3 - 15

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