Page K-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 28148G01.
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 leak-
age 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 bot-
tom of the threaded hole. If lubricant is low, add lubri-
cant 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 vehi-
cle must be elevated and the oil pan removed or the oil
siphoned out through the check/fill hole (Ref. Fig. 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 attempt-
ing to perform any service on the axle, read and under-
stand 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 mile-
age. Always wipe the seals and ‘O’ rings with a light oil before
installing.
To reduce the possibility of personal injury,
follow the lifting procedure in SAFETY section
of this manual. Place wheel chocks in front
and behind the front wheels and check the
stability of the vehicle on the jack stands
before 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).
Fig. 2 Removing/Installing Outer Snap Ring
Check/Fill Plug
NOTICE
