How to Replace a Rear Axle Bearing?

Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or closed toe shoes.

1 Park the vehicle on a solid, level surface and chock the front wheels.

2 Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts a half turn. Using a floor jack, lift up the rear of the vehicle.

3 Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safety before starting any work. Do not rely on the jack alone to hold the vehicle up while working.

4 Remove the rear wheels.

5 Remove the brake assembly.

6 Unbolt and remove the flange.

7 Slide the axle shaft out of the axle shaft housing.

8 Remove the rear axle bearing from the axle shaft or axle housing.

9 Inspect the axle shaft or axle shaft housing for grooves or damage.

10 Re-install the axle retainer flange and new axle seal on the axle shaft or housing.

11 Install the new rear axle bearing and collar.

12 Press the collar and bearing assembly onto the axle shaft.

13 Reinstall the axle shaft into the axle shaft housing.

14 Spin the axle shaft until the splines match up with the gears in the differential

15 Install and tighten the axle shaft retaining flange.

16 Reinstall the brake assembly.

17 Check rear axle fluid level.

18 If the fluid level is low, add fluid.

19 Reinstall the wheel.

20 Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

21 Road test the vehicle and verify the repair.