Dakota 4WD V8-318 5.2L (1991)
Axle Bearing: Service and Repair
1.
Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel assembly and brake drum.
2.
Clean area around housing cover, then loosen housing cover and allow lubricant to drain. Remove cover.
Fig. 3 Removing Differential Pinion Shaft Lockpin
3.
Turn differential case until pinion shaft lock screw is accessible, then remove lock screw and pinion shaft.
Fig. 4 Removing C-lock Washers
4.
Push axle shaft inward and remove C-washer locks from axle shaft, then pull axle shaft from housing being careful not to damage axle shaft
bearing. Inspect axle shaft bearing surfaces for signs of spalling or pitting. If any of these conditions exist, both shaft and bearing should
be replaced. Normal bearing contact on shaft should be a dull gray and may appear lightly dented.
5.
Remove axle shaft bearing and seal from axle housing using bearing removal tool Nos. C-4167 and C-637. Remove any burrs that may be
present in housing bearing shoulder, as bearing could become cocked during installation.
6.
Using suitable tools, install bearing, making sure it does not become cocked. Drive bearing until it bottoms against shoulder. Do not use seal to
position or bottom bearing as this will damage seal.
Fig. 4 Removing C-lock Washers
7.
Using seal installation tool Nos. C-4203 and C-4171 or equivalent, install axle shaft bearing seal until outer flange of tool bottoms against housing
