Installing Rear Axle
 

Had bearings pressed on to my rear axle with abs for my 97 4 runner. Tried putting it back in but it won't slip on to the tines. Pulled it back at, cleaned visible barbs, re-oiled and tried again. Even tried a couple smacks with a mallet. I can feel it rubbing against the tines inside the differential but won't go in. Is there any better method than beating it senseless with a bigger hammer?

Should slide right back in there as easily as it slid out. No oiling, or beating on anything with any size hammer required.

Splines BTW, no tines, no barbs.

Is this your first time re-installing rear axles?

I've done it many times with my old '84 4runner. I had to kinda pivot the axle on the seal to line it up with the carrier splines, turn it a bit. Then it just pops in. Don't use a BFH !

Not sure if having ABS makes this process different, though.

^--X2

While inserting the axle shaft assembly(s) some slight turning may be require to line up the splines. Once lined up the axle shaft(s) should slip into differential carrier assembly with little effort.

Avoid excessive force handling... damage to the axle shaft and differential assembly may result.

Yep.



Andreas