How do you remove the rear hub nut on a 2004 ford f450 need to get to axle seal

36mm is the consensus of opinion, but in reality, it is the socket that 'FITS'! Most socket sets come in metric and imperial, you use that one that is the best fit.

Axle nut socket ' Ford Explorer - Ford Ranger Forums ...

www.explorerforum.com > forums > threads > axle-nut...

Jan 22, 2008 - Anyone know what size socket for the axle nut? ... Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the ... 34mm front axle 36mm rear axle ... One more question, I know the bearing has to be pressed onto the hub but does it then ... Year, Model & Trim Level: 2004 Explorer Limited V8. Axle Nut Size? ' Ford Explorer - Ford Ranger Forums - Serious ...
Aug. 9, 2016
Front and Rear Axle Nut sizes? ' Ford Explorer - Ford Ranger ...
Feb. 28, 2016
What size socket is the wheel bearing nut? ' Ford Explorer ...
May 22, 2003
Spindle axle nut size ' Ford Explorer - Ford Ranger Forums ...
Aug. 19, 2009
More results from www.explorerforum.com

..

replacing bearing involves removing axle your not replacing a hub but tearing apart axle 99 04 F250 Sterling Rear axle bearing replacement Pt 2 2006 Ford F250 rear hub axle seal replacement F250 Rear Brakes Axle Hub Removal Install 03 07 Powerstroke

if you have a semi-floating axle ie an axle that the axle bearing is pressed on you have to remove the wheel, remove caliper if disc brakes and remove a retaining plate that holds the axle bearing in position. pull out the axle and the seal will be left in the axle housing. Replace and reverse procedures. If you have a full floating axle you have to remove the axle from the hub undo tha axle bearing nuts amnd if disc remove caliper or if drum pull the hub of the axle. The seal will be in the back of the hub as in a truck. you will need some mechanical knowledge so if you are unsure get a mechanic to advise you

How to Replace Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly on a 2nd generation Taurus

The following procedure is for a Ford Taurus (VIN S), with rear drum brakes and ABS.

1. Loosen wheel lug nuts, raise rear of vehicle, and support securely on jack stands. Block front wheels and remove rear wheels.

2. Remove brake drum (parking brake must be off).

3. Remove and clean ABS Sensor (Torx E8) with a spritzled rag.

4. Remove grease cap from hub.

5. Remove and discard hub retaining nut (36 mm). This is a compound nut, comprised of several nuts inside a metal cage. Use a 36 mm axle nut socket (e.g., OEM 25206). Many auto parts stores will lend you this socket. A 1/2-inch drive air impact wrench or breaker bar is necessary to remove the nut.

6. Remove wheel bearing/hub assembly from spindle. It easily comes off by hand.

7. Install new Timken Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly, for Drum Brakes and ABS (Part No. 512162). Tighten new axle spindle nut (Dorman 05114) 221 lb.-ft., replace grease cap, and button everything up.

• Air Suspension
• Front Suspension
• Rear Suspension
• • Coil Spring Rear Suspension
  • Coil Springs
  • Lower Ball Joint
  • Lower Control Arms
  • Shock Absorbers
  • Stabilizer Bar Sway Bar
  • Strut Macpherson Strut Assembly
  • Upper Control Arms
  • Wheel Bearings
• Specifications
• Wheel Alignment

• HOME
• REPAIR INFO
• 1999 LEXUS ES300 3.0L SFI DOHC 6CYL REPAIR GUIDE
• SUSPENSION
• REAR SUSPENSION
• COIL SPRING REAR SUSPENSION

Lexus Car ES, IS, LS 1998-06
Coil Spring Rear Suspension

• HUB & BEARINGS
• STABILIZER BAR
• STRUT & COIL SPRING

Print

Hub & Bearings

Adjustment
Check the backlash in bearing shaft direction and the axle hub deviation. Maximum for backlash should be 0.0020 in. (0.05mm) and for axle hub deviation 0.020 in. (0.05mm).

Fig. Checking wheel bearings for excessive play


NOTE The rear wheel bearings are non-adjustable. If the wheel bearing is out of specifications, replace the wheel bearing.
Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly Rear stabilizer link Rear axle shaft nut Rear disc brake caliper and disc Speed sensor Parking brake assembly at the wheel hub No. 1 and 2 upper control arm assembly No. 1 and 2 rear suspension arm assembly Toe control link Rear axle from hub assembly using a plastic hammer No. 2 rear wheel bearing dust deflector using a screwdriver 4 bolts and rear axle hub and bearing assembly from the axle carrier assembly
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Hub on the carrier and tighten the bolts to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) No. 2 rear wheel bearing dust deflector using a screwdriver Rear axle into hub assembly No. 1 and 2 upper control arm assembly. Torque the new nut to the No. 2 rear upper control arm to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm). Temporarily tighten the No. 1 arm bolt. No. 1 and 2 rear suspension arm assembly. Temporarily tighten. Toe control link. Torque new nut to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm). Rear stabilizer link. Torque to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm). Parking brake assembly at the wheel hub Rear speed sensor Rear axle shaft nut. Torque to 214 ft. Lbs. (290 Nm) and stake the nut with a chisel and hammer. Rear brake disc and disc brake caliper
   
2. Adjust the parking brake.
3. Stabilize the suspension as follows :
   1. Install the wheel(s).
   2. Lower the vehicle and bounce it up and down several times to stabilize the rear suspension.
   3. Raise the vehicle.
   4. Remove the wheel.
   5. Jack up the rear lower suspension armplacing a wood block in between. Apply a load to the suspension so that the lower suspension arm is plkaced in a horizontal position.
   
   
4. Fully tighten the No. 1 rear upper control arm assembly to 119 ft. lbs. (161 Nm).
5. Fully tighten the No. 1 rear suspension arm assembly to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm).
6. Fully tighten the No. 2 rear suspension arm assembly to 119 ft. lbs. (161 Nm).
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly
   

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   NOTE If it is necessary to replace the hub or bearing, replace the components as an assembly.
   
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly If equipped with rear disc brakes, the caliper mounting bolts. Leave the brake line connected and suspend the assembly out of the way. Brake rotor or drum 4 bolts and pull off the rear axle hub O-ring
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Hub on the carrier and tighten the bolts to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm) Rotor or drum Caliper, f equipped with rear disc brakes and tighten the bolts to 34 ft. lbs. (64 Nm) Wheel
   

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. If equipped with air suspension, move the height control switch in the trunk area to the OFF position.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Rear wheel(s) Height control sensor link from the lower control arm Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) speed sensor and wiring harness Brake caliper bracket from the rear axle carrier by removing the 2 bolts. Support the caliper with a piece of wire. Brake rotor Parking brake shoes and cable Cotter pin, lock cap and the nut holding the halfshaft to the rear axle Suspension member brace by removing the 2 bolts Halfshaft bolts and washers Halfshaft from the vehicle Strut rod
   
4. Place matchmarks on the adjusting cam and body for the No. 1 control arm.
5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Nut and adjusting cam Nut on the axle carrier side of the No. 1 lower control arm Separate the control arm from the axle carrier No. 1 lower control arm Stabilizer bar link from the No. 2 lower control arm.
   
6. Place matchmarks on the adjusting cam and body.
7. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Nut and adjusting cam from the No. 2 lower control arm Nut and bolt holding the No. 2 lower control arm to the axle carrier No. 2 control arm from the vehicle Nut and bolt on the lower side of the strut assembly 2 upper control arm set nuts and bolts Axle carrier with the upper control arm
   
8. Secure the axle carrier in a vise.
9. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Nut holding the upper control arm to the axle carrier and remove the control arm Dust deflector. Use a suitable prytool. Oil seal
   
   

   Fig. Removing the oil seal (inner)-LS 430
   
   

10. Remove the 2 bolts and nuts and shift the backing the plate towards the hub side (outside).
11. Remove or disconnect the following:
    
    Axle hub
    
    

    Fig. Removing the axle hub from the axle carrier-LS 430
    Backing plate. Inner race (outside) from the axle hub
    
    

    Fig. Removing the inner race (outside) from the axle hub-LS 430
    Oil seal (outer) from the axle
    
    

    Fig. Removing the oil seal (outer)-LS 430
    Snapring from inside the axle housing Bearing from the axle housing
    

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   New bearing to the axle housing Snapring to the axle carrier, using snapring pliers New outer oil seal. Coat the oil seal lip with multipurpose grease.
   
   

   Fig. Installing the oil seal (outer)-LS 430
   Backing plate to the axle housing. Do NOT install the bolts or nuts at this time. Inner race (inside) to the axle housing Axle hub to the axle housing Backing plate in position. Tighten the bolts and nuts to 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm). New oil seal (inner) to the axle housing. Coat the oil seal lip with multipurpose grease.
   
   

   Fig. Installing the oil seal (inner)-LS 430
   New dust deflector. Be sure to align the hose for the ABS speed sensor in the dust deflector and axle carrier. Upper control arm to the axle carrier by installing the nut. Tighten the nut to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm). Axle carrier and upper control arm to the vehicle as an assembly 2 upper control arm set bolts and tighten the bolts to 121 ft. lbs. (164 Nm) Bolt and nut holding the strut to the axle carrier. Tighten to 101 ft. lbs. (137 Nm). Bolt and nut connecting the No. 2 lower control arm to the axle carrier. Tighten the bolt to 60 ft. lbs. (81 Nm). Nut and adjusting cam to hold the No. 2 lower control arm to the body. Align the adjusting cam marks and tighten the nut to 57 ft. lbs. (78 Nm). Stabilizer bar link to the No. 2 lower control arm and tighten the nut to 48 ft. lbs. (65 Nm) No. 1 lower control arm to the axle carrier and body. Install the nut to hold the No. 1 lower control arm to the axle carrier. Tighten the nut to 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm). Nut and adjusting cam to hold the No. 1 lower control arm to the body. Align the matchmarks and tighten the nut to 57 ft. lbs. (78 Nm). Strut rod to the axle carrier and body. Install the bolt and nut to hold the strut rod to the body. Tighten to 57 ft. lbs. (78 Nm). Bolt and nut to hold the strut rod to the axle carrier. Tighten to 136 ft. lbs. (184 Nm) Parking brake shoes and cable Outboard joint side of the halfshaft and align the matchmarks on the side gear shaft and the halfshaft. Coat the threads with clean oil and install the hexagon bolts. Tighten bolts to 61 ft. lbs. (83 Nm). Suspension member brace with the 2 bolts. Tighten the 2 bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm). Nut to hold the halfshaft to the rear axle. Tighten the nut to 213 ft. lbs. (289 Nm). Lock cap and cotter pin Brake disc to the axle hub with the matchmarks aligned. Install the 2 screws and tighten the screws to 48 inch lbs. (5 Nm). Brake caliper to the vehicle and install the 2 bolts. Tighten the bolts to 77 ft. lbs. (104 Nm). ABS speed sensor and wiring harness Height control sensor link with the matchmarks aligned. Tighten the nut to 48 inch lbs. (5 Nm). Rear wheel(s) Negative battery cable
   

2. Lower the vehicle and turn ON the air suspension switch.

Fig. Exploded view rear carrier assembly, hub and bearing-

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   WARNING Be careful not to damage the boot and ABS sensor
   
   
   Rear wheel(s) Height control sensor link from the lower control arm Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) speed sensor and wiring harness Brake caliper bracket from the rear axle carrier by removing the 2 bolts. Support the caliper with a piece of wire. Brake rotor Parking brake shoes and cable Toe control link Separate upper control arm assembly Shock absorber from axle carrier Suspension arms No 1 and 2 from axle carrier Rear axle from carrier
   
   
   Wheel bearing dust deflector 4 bolts and axle & bearing hub assembly
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   4 bolts and axle & bearing assembly. Tighten to 48 ft. lbs (65 Nm) Rear wheel bearing dust deflector Rear drive axle Upper control arm. Temporarily tighten No 2 and No 1 suspension arms. Tighten to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) Shock absorber. Temporarily tighten Toe control link. Tighten to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm) Fully tighten upper control arm. Tighten to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) Height control sensor Parking brake shoes and cable Speed sensor Rear disc brake caliper Fully tighten shock with new nut to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) Rear tire
   
2. Inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment
3. Check ABS speed sensor signal

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear wheel Wheel speed sensor Axle halfshaft Brake caliper and rotor Parking brake shoes Parking brake cable No. 1 lower suspension arm bolt No. 2 lower suspension arm bolt Toe control link Upper ball joint Axle carrier from the vehicle
   
3. Press the hub out of the wheel bearing, then remove the backing plate.
4. Remove the snapring, then press the wheel bearing out of the axle carrier.

To install:

NOTE Use a new toe control link nut for assembly.

1. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure, while using the following torque values:
   
   Backing plate bolts: 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm) No. 1 lower suspension arm bolt: 55 ft. lbs. (75 Nm) No. 2 lower suspension arm bolt: 81 ft. lbs. (110 Nm) Toe control link nut: 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm) Upper ball joint nut: 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm) Brake caliper support bolts: 77 ft. lbs. (104 Nm) Rear wheel lug nuts: 76 ft. lbs. (103 Nm)
   

Fig. Exploded view rear Axle carrier and hub assembly-ES 330

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly Brake caliper support bracket Brake rotor Skid control sensor wire 4 bolts and rear hub and bearing assembly Skid control sensor
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   NOTE Inspect bearing back lash and hub deviation
   
   
   Skid control sensor Rear axle hub and bearing assembly with 4 bolts. Tighten to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm) Skid control sensor wire
   
   
   Rear disc Rear disc brake caliper assembly. Tighten to 46 ft. lbs (62 Nm) Flexible brake hose Rear tire and wheel
   
2. inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment
3. Check ABS speed sensor signal

Stabilizer Bar

Removal & Installation

1. Remove the rear wheels.
2. Remove the 2 nuts and left stabilizer bar link. If the ball joint turns together with the nut, use a hexagon wrench (5 mm) to hold the stud. Repeat for the right side.
3. Remove the 8 bolts, 2 No. 1 brackets and 2 bushings. Two types of bolts are used, so make sure the correct bolts are installed.
4. Remove the stabilizer bar.

To install:

1. Install the stabilizer bar.
2. Install the bushing and bracket with the 2 bolts and tighten to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm). Install the bushing to the inner side of the bushing stopper on the stabilizer bar.
3. Connect the stabilizer bar links and tighten the nuts to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm). Repeat for the right side.
4. Install the rear wheels.
5. Inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment.

Strut & Coil Spring

Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   CAUTION Do NOT remove the center nut to the strut at this time. The spring on the strut is under high pressure and can cause serious injury.
   
   
   No. 2 luggage compartment trim cover Left and right deck side trim box Rear luggage compartment trim cover Front luggage compartment trim cover Left and right side luggage compartment trim covers Rear wheel Rear wheel fender liner No. 2 differential support protector Rear suspension member brace Rear No. 2 lower control arm Mounting bolts and strut assembly
   
3. Secure the strut in a vise.
4. Compress the coil spring
5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Upper strut retaining nut Suspension support Upper insulator Bumper Coil spring Insulator

what about it?

conventional axle or limited slip? Get axle code off door sticker.

SECTION 205-02: Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear 1998 Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual
IN-VEHICLE REPAIR Rear Wheel Bearing and Axle Shaft Oil Seal -4.0L SOHC and 4.0L EI, Conventional
Special Tool(s) Axle Seal Replacer
T83T-1175-A Axle Wheel Bearing Puller
T83T-1225-A Axle Wheel Bearing Replacer
T83T-1225-B Driver Handle
T80T-4000-W Impact Slide Hammer
T50T-100-A
Removal

1. Remove the axle shaft; refer to Axle Shaft in this section.

Axle Shaft Removal

1. CAUTION: Do not use heat to loosen a seized lug nut. Heat can damage the wheel (1007) and the rear wheel bearings (1225).
   Loosen the lug nuts (1012).
   1. Remove the center cap.
   1. With the weight of the vehicle on the wheels, loosen the lug nuts.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
   1. Remove the lug nuts.
   1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

1. Remove the axle housing cover (4033).
   1. Loosen the axle housing cover bolts (4346) and drain the rear axle (4001).
   1. Remove the axle housing cover bolts.
   1. Remove the axle housing cover.

1. Remove the rear disc brake rotors (2C026); refer to Section 206-04 .

1. CAUTION: Once the differential pinion shaft (4211) has been removed, turning the differential case (4204) or an axle shaft (4234) will cause the differential pinion gears (4215) to fall out of the assembly. This could result in chipped or damaged components.
   Remove the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
   1. Remove the differential pinion shaft.

1. CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the U-washer grooves.
   Remove the U-washers (4N237).
   1. Push the axle shafts inboard.
   1. Remove the U-washers.

1. Reinstall the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Install the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Install the differential pinion shaft lock bolt finger-tight.

1. CAUTION: Do not damage the inner wheel bearing oil seal (1177).
   Remove the two axle shafts.

Installation

1. Lubricate the lip of the inner wheel bearing oil seal.
   • Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.

1. CAUTION: Once the differential pinion shaft has been removed, turning the differential case or an axle shaft will cause the differential pinion gears to fall out of the assembly. This could result in chipped or damaged components.
   Remove the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
   1. Remove the differential pinion shaft.

1. CAUTION: Do not damage the inner wheel bearing oil seal.
   Install the two axle shafts.

1. CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the U-washer grooves.
   Install the U-washers.
   1. Position the two U-washers on the button end of the axle shafts.
   1. Pull the axle shafts outward.

1. Install the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the differential pinion shaft lock bolt hole.
   1. Install the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.

1. Install the rear disc brake rotors; refer to Section 206-04 .

1. Install the axle housing cover and fill the rear axle housing (4010) with 2.4 liters (5.5 pints) of specified lubricant; refer to Axle Housing Cover in this section.

1. WARNING: Always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign material that may be present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub or rear disc brake rotor that contacts the wheel. Installing wheels without proper metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the lug nut to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, causing loss of control.
   Clean the wheel hub and mounting surfaces.

1. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
   1. Position the tire and wheel assembly.
   1. Install the lug nuts and lower the vehicle.
   1. Tighten the lug nuts.
   1. Install the center cap.

1. CAUTION: Never remove the axle shaft oil seal by itself. Always remove the rear wheel bearing and the axle shaft oil seal at the same time.
   NOTE: If the axle shaft oil seal is leaking, the axle housing vent may be plugged with debris.
   Use Impact Slide Hammer and Axle Wheel Bearing Puller to remove the rear wheel bearing and the axle shaft oil seal.

Installation

1. Lubricate the new rear wheel bearing.
   1. Use Thermally Stable Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.

1. Use Axle Wheel Bearing Replacer with Driver Handle to install the rear wheel bearing.

1. Lubricate the lip of the new axle shaft oil seal.
   • Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.

1. Use Axle Seal Replacer with Driver Handle to install the axle shaft oil seal.

1. Install the axle shaft; refer to Axle Shaft in this section.

check to see if you have another nut inside holding the inner bearing inside the axle tube, if so remove it and the bearing, pull the axle and replace the axle seal.

Dana or Ford axle?

Ford here:
SECTION 205-05: Rear Drive Halfshafts 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Halfshaft
Special Tool(s) Protector, Differential Seal
205-506 Remover, Front Wheel Hub
205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) or equivalent Remover, Halfshaft
205-502
Removal and Installation
NOTE: This procedure applies to both rear halfshaft assemblies.

1. CAUTION: Do not loosen the rear axle wheel hub retainer until after the wheel and tire assembly are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.
   With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. NOTE: Have an assistant press the brake pedal to keep the axle from rotating.
   Remove and discard the rear axle wheel hub retainer and the washer.

1. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the brake hose, do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the hose.
   Remove the brake disc.
   1. Remove the two bolts and lift the disc brake caliper and brake pads off the brake disc.
      • Using mechanics wire, position the disc brake caliper out of the way.
   1. Remove the brake disc.

1. Remove the bolt retaining the parking brake cable bracket to the frame.

1. CAUTION: Cover the stabilizer link bolt threads and the nut to prevent boot damage when removing the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.
   Using a rubber hose approximately 37.5 mm (1.5 in) long, cover the stabilizer link bolt threads and nut.

1. WARNING: The bolt that retains the upper ball joint to the knuckle is longer and it has fewer threads than the bolt that retains the toe link to the knuckle. Switching these bolts during installation will prevent the pinch arms on the knuckle from correctly retaining the toe link to the knuckle. This may cause the toe link to separate from the knuckle during vehicle operation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
   Remove the pinch bolts and disconnect the toe link and upper ball joint from the knuckle.

1. CAUTION: Support the rear suspension upper arm to prevent boot damage when removing the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.
   Using a wood stick, approximately 450 mm (18 in) long and 25 mm (1 in) wide, support the rear suspension upper arm.

1. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components may result.
   CAUTION: Once the outboard CV joint separates from the hub the knuckle will continue to pivot until the brake backing plate presses against the suspension lower arm. To prevent damage to the brake backing plate, immediately after separating the outboard CV joint from the hub, rest the knuckle on a cushioned support that is tall enough to keep the backing plate from pressing against the suspension lower arm.
   Separate the outboard CV joint from the hub and rest the knuckle on a cushioned support.
   1. Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.
   1. Remove the special tool.
   1. Separate the outboard CV joint from the hub.
   1. Rest the knuckle on a cushioned support.

1. CAUTION: Do not damage the axle shaft oil seal or the machined sealing surface on the inboard CV joint housing.
   CAUTION: Do not allow the splines on inboard CV joint housing to touch the axle shaft oil seal.
   NOTE: A circlip retains the inboard CV joint housing to the differential side gear in the axle.
   Using the special tool, disengage the inboard CV joint housing from the differential side gear.

1. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the axle shaft oil seal, install the special tool before removing the inboard CV joint housing from the axle.
   Install the special tool.

1. Remove the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.

1. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the axle shaft oil seal, install the Differential Seal Protector before positioning the inboard CV joint housing in the axle.
   CAUTION: Always install the halfshaft with a new retainer circlip and a new rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   CAUTION: Never use power tools to tighten the rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c152801cda30

In the center of the hub is the axle retaining bolts, 8 I think, remove them and pull the axle out, under that is a giant nut that retains the hub, it requires a quite expensive special tool to remove and re-install correctly, that huge nut retains the entire hub/brake drum assembly. Replace th grease seal and check the axle bearing while you have it apart.


Please rate this solution.