Questionwhat is the procedure for pulling the rear axle on 2wd Dakota? I have the diff cover off and it looks like the center pin on the planetary gear must be pulled to get at the c-clips.
AnswerAXLE SHAFT SEAL AND BEARING
CAUTION: When rear axle service is necessary, both rear wheels must be raised off the surface so that they are free to rotate. Be cautious when the tires are being rotated by the engine or by other means.
If equipped with a Trac-Loc differential, do not rotate either axle shaft unless both are properly in-place. Rotation of one axle shaft without the other being installed can result in misalignment of the side gears/splines. This will necessitate side gear re-alignment before the axle shaft can be installed.
AXLE SHAFT REMOVAL
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire.
Remove the brake drum.
Clean all the foreign material from housing cover area.
Loosen the housing cover bolts. Drain the lubricant from the housing. Remove the housing cover.
Rotate the differential case so that the pinion mate gear shaft lock screw is accessible. Remove the lock screw and the pinion mate gear shaft from the case Pinion Mate Shaft Lock Screw
Push the axle shaft in toward the center of the vehicle. Remove the axle shaft C-clip lock from the axle shaft Axle Shaft C-Clip Lock
Remove the axle shaft. Use care to prevent damage to the axle shaft bearing, which will remain in the axle shaft tube.
Inspect the axle shaft bearing contact surface area for indications of brinelling, spalling, and pitting.
If any of these conditions exist, the axle shaft and bearing must be replaced
NOTE: The normal appearance (from roller bearing contact) will be a dull gray surface area that could appear slightly dented.
AXLE SHAFT INSTALLATION
Lubricate the bearing bore and seal lip. Insert the axle shaft and engage the splines with the side gear. Use care to prevent the shaft splines from damaging the axle shaft seal lip.
Insert the C-clip lock in the recessed groove Axle Shaft C-Clip Lock Push the axle shaft outward to seat the C-clip lock.
Insert the pinion gear mate shaft in the case. Install through the thrust washers and pinion gears. Align the hole in the shaft with the lock screw hole. Install the lock screw with Loctite on the threads. Tighten the screw to 11 N·m (8 ft. lbs.) torque Pinion Mate Shaft Lock Screw
Clean the cover and apply a bead of sealant. Refer to the Drain and Refill in this section.
Install the brake drum. Install the wheel and tire.
Raise or lower the hoist until the vehicle is level.
Remove the fill hole plug. Fill the differential housing with specified lubricant. Install the fill hole plug.
Lower the vehicle and test the brakes and axle for correct operation.
SEAL AND BEARING REMOVAL
Remove axle shaft.
Remove the axle shaft seal with a small pry bar.
Remove the bearing if it appears damaged or the axle shaft shows any of the conditions described above.
Remove the bearing with Remover C-4167 Axle Shaft Bearing Removal Attach Slide Hammer C-637 to the end of the removal tool.
Inspect the axle shaft seal surface and tube bore for roughness and burrs. Polish each axle shaft with No. 600 crocus cloth. This can remove slight surface damage. Do not reduce the diameter of the axle shaft seal contact surface. When polishing, the crocus cloth should be moved around the circumference of the shaft (not in-line with the shaft)
BEARING AND SEAL INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not install the original axle shaft seal. Always install a new seal.
Wipe the bore in the axle shaft tube clean.
If the original bearing is not reusable, install a new bearing. Place the axle shaft bearing on the pilot of Bearing Installer C-4198 and Handle C-4171
CAUTION: DO NOT use the new axle shaft seal to position or seat the bearing in the axle shaft bore.
Insert the bearing into the tube. Ensure that the bearing is not cocked and is seated firmly against the tube shoulder.
Install the new axle shaft seal Axle Shaft Seal Installation with Installer C-4203 and Handle C-4171.
When the tool contacts the end of the tube (face), the seal will be at the correct position and depth.
