GM 30020935 Rear, Axle Bearings

As a slide hammer and an adapter may be needed to perform this procedure, begin by loosening the rear wheel lug nuts, raising the rear of the vehicle, and securely supporting it on jackstands before removing the wheels. Next, remove the brake drum and drain the differential lubricant. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the rear brake assembly and backing plate, then unscrew the brake line fitting from the wheel cylinder, ensuring not to pull the line away to avoid kinking. Remove the brake backing plate nuts from the axle housing and pull the axle and brake assembly away from the housing, using a slide hammer if necessary. Carefully slide the axle out of the housing, taking care not to damage the seal or splines on the inner end. For Sidekick, X-90, Nitara, and Tracker models, remove the brake backing plate/wheel bearing retainer nuts from the axle housing, ensuring there is enough clearance between the bearing retainer and the parking brake lever; if not, pry the lever back. Remove the axleshaft from the housing, using a slide hammer if it does not come out easily. If the axle bearing needs replacement, take the assembly to a dealer service department or repair shop for the old bearing to be removed and a new one pressed on, also replacing the axleshaft oil seal if a new bearing is installed. Clean the bearing bore in the axle housing, apply a thin coat of grease to the outer surface of the bearing, and smear the lips of the axleshaft seal with grease before guiding the axle straight into the axle housing. Finally, installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring to tighten the brake backing plate/bearing retainer nuts to the specified torque and bleeding the brakes on Samurai models as needed.

Finally, install the brake disc and caliper, the freewheeling hub for 4WD models, and the tire/wheel assembly, tightening the lug nuts to the specified torque. Check the bearings again by grasping the tire and moving it as previously described before lowering the vehicle.