To replace the rear Axle Shaft, simply lift the vehicle and take out the tire and wheel assembly. After that, if equipped, dismount the brake caliper, brake rotor, and
Brake Drum. Then, after that, discard the rear cover and gasket, discarding the pinion shaft locking bolt. For axles without locking Differential, remove the pinion shaft; for those with a locking Differential remove the shaft part way and rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing. Turn the rear Axle Shaft lock using a screwdriver or similar tool until it points toward thrust block, and then force the flange of the Axle Shaft on toward the Differential assembly while taking out the Axle Shaft lock from the button of the Axle Shaft. Important: do not rotate the Axle Shaft while removing it to prevent the gears from misalignment. Remove the Axle Shaft from the housing and place the new Axle Shaft carefully into the rear axle housing but do not turn it; slip it into the Differential assembly so that the splines lock with the Differential side gear. For contingency axles without a locking Differential, push the Axle Shaft lock to the button end; for wrong type Differential positioning of the Axle Shaft lock on the Axle Shaft in such a way that the ends of the Axle Shaft lock are flush with the thrust block. Pull the shaft flange out to seat the Axle Shaft lock into the side gear of the Differential and flow in the pinion shaft aligning the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole on the Differential case. Apply the right fastener at the right place, with replacement fasteners having the correct part number for the task and no application of paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on the fasteners unless specified. Follow the correct tightening sequence and specifications so as to prevent damage. Replace the pinion shaft lock bolt and perform the tightening to 25 nm (18 lb ft) and reinstall the rear protection and the Brake Drum if equipped, as well as the brake rotor and brake caliper. Lastly, replace the tire and wheel assemblage, add the appropriate fluid into the rear axle, and bring the vehicle down.