Wagoneer L6-258 4.2L VIN C 2-bbl (1982)
Axle Bearing: Service and Repair
Semi-Floating Tapered Shaft
Fig. 1 Semi-floating axle with tapered shaft
Fig. 2 Measuring axle shaft endplay
The hub and drum are separate units, and the hub and axle shaft are serrated to mate and fit together on the taper. Both are marked to insure correct
assembly. The axle shaft and bearing assembly may be removed as follows:
1. Remove rear wheel, drum and hub, then disconnect parking brake cable at equalizer. Do not use a slide hammer or knockout type puller to remove
hub from axle shaft. Damage to the axle bearings or other components will result.
2. Disconnect brake tube from wheel cylinder and remove brake support plate assembly, oil seal and axle shims from axle shaft. Axle shaft endplay
shims are located on the left side only.
3. Using suitable puller, pull axle shaft and bearing from axle tube. On models equipped with Trak-Lok differential, do not rotate differential unless
both axle shafts are in place.
4. Remove and install axle shaft bearing using a suitable arbor press. Remove old oil seal from axle housing bore, clean bore and install new seal.
5. If axle shaft bearing is replaced, pack bearing with generous amount of wheel bearing lubricant and press bearing onto shaft, ensuring that small
diameter of bearing faces toward outer tapered end of shaft.
6. Coat inner seal with light lubricating oil, coat outer surface of seal metal retainer with non-hardening sealer, and install seal using suitable tool.
7. Install axle shafts, aligning shaft splines with differential side gear splines, and insert shaft into gear.
8. Install outer bearing cup, then inspect brake support plate for elongated bolt holes or other damage, replacing as necessary. During assembly,
apply suitable sealant to axle tube flange and brake support plate mounting area to prevent entry of water and dust.
9. Install original axle endplay shims, oil seal assembly and brake support plate, torquing attaching bolts to 35 ft. lbs. The oil seal and retainer are
located on the outside of the brake support plate.
10. Connect brake line to wheel cylinder, then bleed and adjust brakes.
11. Check and adjust axle shaft endplay as follows:
