Removal
1. Loosen the wheel nuts. Raise the rear of the vehicle, place stands underneath it, remove the wheels and brake drums (see Chapter 9).
2. Drain the oil from the differential housing
3. Disconnect the brake hose from the wheel cylinder, remove the brake calipers and disconnect the parking brake cable (see Chapter 9).
4. Remove the axle shaft mounting nuts.
Fig. 12.4 Rear axle parts (1985-1987): 1 - half shaft; 2 - axle shaft holder; 3 - bearing; 4 - bearing holder; 5 - spacers; 6 - oil seal; 7 - bridge.
5. Connect the inertial puller to the axle shaft flange and knock out the axle shaft.
Fig. 12.5 Connecting the inertial puller to the axle shaft
6. Replace the axle shaft bearing at a service station.
Replacing the oil seal
7. Carefully pry up the old seal with a large screwdriver. Do not damage the seating surfaces!
8. Using a tool socket or a suitable piece of pipe, install the new seal.
Installation
9. Apply a small amount of sealant to the inside surface of the axle tube in the bearing seat area.
Fig. 12.9 Place of application of sealant (arrows)
10. Insert the axle shaft into the axle housing, making sure that the axle shaft splines engage the differential splines.
11. Install the axle shaft retainer nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.
12. Connect: brake hose to cylinder, parking brake cable, brake calipers and drum (see Chapter 9).
13. Put on the wheels, tighten the lug nuts and lower the car. Tighten the lug nuts.
14. Bleed the brakes (see Chapter 9).