General Information Axle Housing Alignment Diagnos

For rear wheel bearing diagnosis information, refer to Wheel Bearing Test in Front Suspension.

Replace the rear axle if any damage exists which affects the misalignment or the structural integrity of the rear axle housing. Do not weld or straighten the rear axle housing. This process may affect the rear axle housing metallurgy, and cause the rear axle housing to fail completely when under load.

General Information Bent Axle Housing Check

1. Block the front wheels.
2. Raise and support the rear axle housing using suitable jackstands.
3. Inspect the rear wheel bearing adjustment and the rear wheel mounting. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
4. Place a chalk mark in the following locations:

•	On the outer side wall of both the outside rear tires.

•	At the bottom of the rear tires near the ground.

5. Measure across the rear tires at the chalk mark using a toe-in gauge. Record the reading.
6. Rotate the rear wheels in order to position the chalk marks at the top of the rear wheels.
7. Measure across the rear tires at the chalk mark using a toe-in gauge. Record the reading.
8. Compare the top measurement with the bottom measurement. Ensure that the measurements are the same within 3.2 mm (0.125 in).

•	If the top measurement is more than 3.2 mm (0.125 in) larger than the bottom measurement, the rear axle is bent at the ends.

•	If the top measurement is more than 3.2 mm (0.125 in) smaller than the bottom measurement, the rear axle housing has sagged.

9. Turn the rear wheels in order to position the chalk marks on both rear wheels are parallel to the ground (level with the rear axle housing) and facing toward the rear of the vehicle.
10. Measure across the rear tires at the chalk mark using a toe-in gauge. Record the reading.
11. Turn the rear wheels half way around in order to position the chalk marks are positioned parallel to the ground (level with the rear axle housing) and facing toward the front of the vehicle.
12. Measure across the rear tires at the chalk mark using the toe-in gauge. Record the reading.
13. Compare the front and rear readings. Ensure that the readings are the same within 3.2 mm (0.125 in).

•	If the rear measurement is more than 3.2 mm (0.125 in) greater than the front measurement, the rear axle housing is bent forward.

•	If the rear measurement is 3.2 mm (0.125 in) less than the front measurement, the rear axle housing is bent to the rear.