how hard is it to replace a rear axle shaft?

[KJ604]

just found out my 05 liberty has one wobbly rear wheel. seems like the axle shaft is bent. how hard is this to diy?

 

[u2slow]

Not too hard a job. Take off the caliper, slide off the rotor. Open/drain the diff. You have to undo the cross-pin inside the diff to release the c-clip, then the axle slides right out.

Depending on miles, it may be a good time to do the axle bearings & seals. Also check the r&p for bearing slop & excessive backlash. You're in there already. :cheers:

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

just found out my 05 liberty has one wobbly rear wheel. seems like the axle shaft is bent. how hard is this to diy?

Actually very easy. The hardest part is getting a socket the correct size to tap in the new bearing and axle seal. I use a 1 3/4" socket to tap in the bearing and the seal. Like this. By the way, I use a slide hammer puller to remove the bearing and seal at the same time.

A potential frustration... There is a small bolt called the pinion shaft bolt that holds the cross shaft in the differential case. They have a tendency to break when removing them (an issue common to all "C-clip" axles from Chevy, Chrysler, etc.) They can usually be removed even if they break but get a new one from the dealer or NAPA before you start the project. The bolt runs $3 to $5.

Do a quick search on YouTube for a how-to on removing & replacing an axle shaft. It is literally a 30 minute project; the longest part of the job is refilling the diff with gear oil.

Here's a video on how to remove an axle. The video is for a Dana 30 but the concept is the same. You won't have to remove the carrier bearing cap on the Chrysler 8.25 since there's plenty of room to remove the pinion shaft bolt.

Bob

 

[KJ604]

She just turned 83000kms (51000miles). There is a complete kit with a decent price on rockauto. anyone know anything about that brand?
More Information for DORMAN 630319

 

[LibertyTC]

Just want to make sure that you have had the offending wheel checked out.
One of my rear rims was wobbling a bit. Found a shop with a digital screen/balancing machine.
Here is what mine looked like before re balancing.= eek.
Clik on image to see video:

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Some heavy counter weights were used, and rim is much better now.

 

[ElCheapo]

^^^This^^^ Axles don't bend easy, try the wheel on the other side, and see if it still wobbles.

 

[M38 Bob]

^^^This^^^ Axles don't bend easy, try the wheel on the other side, and see if it still wobbles.

Excellent idea and test procedure.

Liberty TC; Proper balance can compensate for a lot, but bent/warped is still gonna be noticed. I can take a square block of wood, drill an off center hole, mount it on my balancer and balance it perfectly. STILL won't be round. Or centered.

Bob

 

[u2slow]

She just turned 83000kms (51000miles). There is a complete kit with a decent price on rockauto. anyone know anything about that brand?
More Information for DORMAN 630319

I've bought Dorman parts before, but not an axle shaft. If the price and shipping work for you... get the bearing a seal for both sides though. No sense in just doing one side.

I replaced a bent axle shaft in an S10 pickup once. All it took to bend it was a fishtail-slide into a curb. You could check for runout with the axle still in place using a magnetic dial indicator.

 

[LibertyTC]

Excellent idea and test procedure.
Liberty TC; Proper balance can compensate for a lot, but bent/warped is still gonna be noticed. I can take a square block of wood, drill an off center hole, mount it on my balancer and balance it perfectly. STILL won't be round. Or centered.
Bob

^ Agreed.
If it is bent/warped, it will show on the balancing machine and next is...
Move the tire over /or just use a known good rim, hopefully the spare!
In my situation it was slightly warped and & then new weights actually placed in the correct location worked! :icon_lol:
Still nothing beats a true rim...arty52:

 

[KJ604]

At a very slow wheel speed, with the truck on a lift, there is a pronounced wobble in that wheel. To further incriminate the axle, you can hear the rotor rubbing against the pads as it wobbles. If only the wheel was bent it wouldn't change the way the rotor spins. The PO did tell me she hit a curb last winter but she didnt quite divulge the entire extent. She had winter tires on at the time and Im pretty sure they were on steel wheels. I see the paperwork where she had the current wheels mounted not too long ago. I will have the wheel inspected further also but I have already ordered the Dorman axle and I will be doing the bearing on the other side as well. Thanks for all the help guys, really glad there is a good community for these trucks! That much happier about my purchase now! :cheers:

 

[KJ604]

Couple of more noob questions, thanks for your patience guys!

Will I need a new gasket for the diff cover?
Is the procedure the same for open diff and trac lock? Im pretty sure Ive got the trac lock.

 

[KJ604]

got my build sheet today, i for sure have trac-lok

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Couple of more noob questions, thanks for your patience guys!

Will I need a new gasket for the diff cover?
Is the procedure the same for open diff and trac lock? Im pretty sure Ive got the trac lock.

got my build sheet today, i for sure have trac-lok

Be sure to put in some trak-lock additive - it's a 4 ounce bottle. And no gasket - use red or black RTV for the seal.

Bob

 

[KJ604]

Is it specifically trac-lok additive or any LSD additive?

Axle shaft showed up today

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Is it specifically trac-lok additive or any LSD additive?

Axle shaft showed up today

Any LSD additive will work for ya :waytogo:

Bob