What are the steps for rear axle removal and installation?
2 Answers
First, lift the vehicle to be disassembled to a suitable height, and begin by removing the rear stabilizer link. Remove the rear stabilizer bar, then proceed to disassemble the outer end screws of the left and right upper link swing arms. Loosen the connecting screws. Remove the four 17mm screws securing the rear axle, and the rear axle can then be taken off. Tighten the screws of the left and right upper link swing arms and the exhaust pipe fixing rubber block, and finally reinstall the rear stabilizer bar.
Removing and installing the rear axle is no joke. Having been in this line of work for a long time, I know safety is the top priority. Before starting, make sure the car is securely lifted using a jack and support stands—keeping the tires off the ground adds an extra layer of safety. Next, remove the tires and brake components, loosen the mounting bolts, and be careful not to damage any oil lines or wiring. The rear axle itself is quite heavy, so it's best to have two people work together to slowly take it down. If the rear axle is connected to the drive shaft, remember to mark the positions for easier reassembly. During installation, align the holes and tighten the bolts to the factory-specified torque using a torque wrench—otherwise, oil leaks or misalignment may occur. After installation, take a test drive to ensure there’s no noise or instability. The whole process takes about 2 hours, and having all the right tools on hand makes it smoother. However, beginners should ideally have an experienced person guide them to avoid mistakes that could harm the car or people.
