Stub Axle Shaft, Bearing and Seal

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
4. If equipped with ABS, remove the rear wheel speed sensor.

   NOTE: Be cautious to ensure that the tip of the pole piece on the rear speed sensor does not come in contact with other parts during removal. Sensor damage could occur.

5. Remove the rear caliper and support assembly out of the way. Remove the brake disc.
6. Remove the driveshaft and companion flange installation bolts, nuts and washers. Move the end of shaft slightly to access the self-locking nut.
7. Using axle holding tool MB990211-01 or equivalent, secure the rear axle shaft in position, then remove the self-locking nut.
8. Using puller and adapter MB990211-01 and MB990241-01 or equivalents, remove the rear axle shaft from the trailing arm.
9. If equipped with ABS, remove the rear rotor from the axle assembly using collar and press. The rotor is a press fit.
10. Remove the outer bearing and dust cover concurrently from the axle shaft using a press.
11. Using puller, remove the oil seal and inner bearing from the trailing arm.
12. Inspect the companion flange and axle shaft for wear or damage. Inspect the dust cover for deformation or damage. Inspect the bearings for burning or declaration. Replace components as required.

    To install:

13. Using the proper driver, press fit the inner bearing onto the trailing arm. Press fit the oil seal onto the trailing arm with the depression in the oil seal facing upward, and until it contacts the shoulder on the inner arm.

    NOTE: When tapping the oil seal in, use a plastic hammer to lightly tap the top and circumference of the seal installation tool, press fitting gradually and evenly.

14. Press fit the dust covers onto the axle until it contacts the axle shaft shoulder. Install the innermost cover so the depression is facing upward.

    NOTE: When tapping the oil seal in, use a plastic hammer to lightly tap the top and circumference of the seal installation tool, press fitting gradually and evenly.

15. Apply multi-purpose grease around the entire circumference of the inner side of the outer bearing seal lip. Press fit the outer bearing to the axle shaft so that the bearing seal lip surface is facing towards the axle shaft flange.
16. Press fit the rear rotor to the axle shaft with the rear rotor groove surface towards the axle shaft flange.
17. Install the rear axle shaft to the trailing arm temporarily. Install the companion flange to the rear axle shaft, then install a new self-locking nut.
18. While holding the rear axle shaft in position using holding fixture tool MB990767-01 or equivalent, tighten a new self-locking nut to 159 ft. lbs. (220 Nm).
19. Install the drive shaft nuts, washers and bolts. Tighten to 40–47 ft. lbs. (55–65 Nm).
20. Install the rear brake disc, caliper assembly and parking brake.
21. Install the tire and wheel assembly and lower the vehicle. Check the parking brake stroke and adjust as required.
22. Before moving the vehicle, pump the brakes until a firm pedal is achieved.