Broken rear axle

Remove wheel, remove rear diff cover, remove small bolt that retains spider gear cross shaft in the carrier. Push axle in, remove "c" clip on end of axle and remove axle from housing. Reverse to replace. Only problem you may have is that sometimes small bolt is broken inside carrier. if broken you will need to drill a tiny hole into it and remove with tiny "easy out" or other similar device.
Do not turn carrier when shaft has been removed or spider gears will rotate and fall out!

not sure if this helps or not

• Air Suspension
• Front Suspension
• Rear Suspension
• • Coil Spring Rear Suspension
  • Coil Springs
  • Lower Ball Joint
  • Lower Control Arms
  • Shock Absorbers
  • Stabilizer Bar Sway Bar
  • Strut Macpherson Strut Assembly
  • Upper Control Arms
  • Wheel Bearings
• Specifications
• Wheel Alignment

• HOME
• REPAIR INFO
• 1999 LEXUS ES300 3.0L SFI DOHC 6CYL REPAIR GUIDE
• SUSPENSION
• REAR SUSPENSION
• COIL SPRING REAR SUSPENSION

Lexus Car ES, IS, LS 1998-06
Coil Spring Rear Suspension

• HUB & BEARINGS
• STABILIZER BAR
• STRUT & COIL SPRING

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Hub & Bearings

Adjustment
Check the backlash in bearing shaft direction and the axle hub deviation. Maximum for backlash should be 0.0020 in. (0.05mm) and for axle hub deviation 0.020 in. (0.05mm).

Fig. Checking wheel bearings for excessive play


NOTE The rear wheel bearings are non-adjustable. If the wheel bearing is out of specifications, replace the wheel bearing.
Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly Rear stabilizer link Rear axle shaft nut Rear disc brake caliper and disc Speed sensor Parking brake assembly at the wheel hub No. 1 and 2 upper control arm assembly No. 1 and 2 rear suspension arm assembly Toe control link Rear axle from hub assembly using a plastic hammer No. 2 rear wheel bearing dust deflector using a screwdriver 4 bolts and rear axle hub and bearing assembly from the axle carrier assembly
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Hub on the carrier and tighten the bolts to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) No. 2 rear wheel bearing dust deflector using a screwdriver Rear axle into hub assembly No. 1 and 2 upper control arm assembly. Torque the new nut to the No. 2 rear upper control arm to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm). Temporarily tighten the No. 1 arm bolt. No. 1 and 2 rear suspension arm assembly. Temporarily tighten. Toe control link. Torque new nut to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm). Rear stabilizer link. Torque to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm). Parking brake assembly at the wheel hub Rear speed sensor Rear axle shaft nut. Torque to 214 ft. Lbs. (290 Nm) and stake the nut with a chisel and hammer. Rear brake disc and disc brake caliper
   
2. Adjust the parking brake.
3. Stabilize the suspension as follows :
   1. Install the wheel(s).
   2. Lower the vehicle and bounce it up and down several times to stabilize the rear suspension.
   3. Raise the vehicle.
   4. Remove the wheel.
   5. Jack up the rear lower suspension armplacing a wood block in between. Apply a load to the suspension so that the lower suspension arm is plkaced in a horizontal position.
   
   
4. Fully tighten the No. 1 rear upper control arm assembly to 119 ft. lbs. (161 Nm).
5. Fully tighten the No. 1 rear suspension arm assembly to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm).
6. Fully tighten the No. 2 rear suspension arm assembly to 119 ft. lbs. (161 Nm).
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly
   

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   NOTE If it is necessary to replace the hub or bearing, replace the components as an assembly.
   
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly If equipped with rear disc brakes, the caliper mounting bolts. Leave the brake line connected and suspend the assembly out of the way. Brake rotor or drum 4 bolts and pull off the rear axle hub O-ring
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Hub on the carrier and tighten the bolts to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm) Rotor or drum Caliper, f equipped with rear disc brakes and tighten the bolts to 34 ft. lbs. (64 Nm) Wheel
   

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. If equipped with air suspension, move the height control switch in the trunk area to the OFF position.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Rear wheel(s) Height control sensor link from the lower control arm Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) speed sensor and wiring harness Brake caliper bracket from the rear axle carrier by removing the 2 bolts. Support the caliper with a piece of wire. Brake rotor Parking brake shoes and cable Cotter pin, lock cap and the nut holding the halfshaft to the rear axle Suspension member brace by removing the 2 bolts Halfshaft bolts and washers Halfshaft from the vehicle Strut rod
   
4. Place matchmarks on the adjusting cam and body for the No. 1 control arm.
5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Nut and adjusting cam Nut on the axle carrier side of the No. 1 lower control arm Separate the control arm from the axle carrier No. 1 lower control arm Stabilizer bar link from the No. 2 lower control arm.
   
6. Place matchmarks on the adjusting cam and body.
7. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Nut and adjusting cam from the No. 2 lower control arm Nut and bolt holding the No. 2 lower control arm to the axle carrier No. 2 control arm from the vehicle Nut and bolt on the lower side of the strut assembly 2 upper control arm set nuts and bolts Axle carrier with the upper control arm
   
8. Secure the axle carrier in a vise.
9. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Nut holding the upper control arm to the axle carrier and remove the control arm Dust deflector. Use a suitable prytool. Oil seal
   
   

   Fig. Removing the oil seal (inner)-LS 430
   
   

10. Remove the 2 bolts and nuts and shift the backing the plate towards the hub side (outside).
11. Remove or disconnect the following:
    
    Axle hub
    
    

    Fig. Removing the axle hub from the axle carrier-LS 430
    Backing plate. Inner race (outside) from the axle hub
    
    

    Fig. Removing the inner race (outside) from the axle hub-LS 430
    Oil seal (outer) from the axle
    
    

    Fig. Removing the oil seal (outer)-LS 430
    Snapring from inside the axle housing Bearing from the axle housing
    

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   New bearing to the axle housing Snapring to the axle carrier, using snapring pliers New outer oil seal. Coat the oil seal lip with multipurpose grease.
   
   

   Fig. Installing the oil seal (outer)-LS 430
   Backing plate to the axle housing. Do NOT install the bolts or nuts at this time. Inner race (inside) to the axle housing Axle hub to the axle housing Backing plate in position. Tighten the bolts and nuts to 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm). New oil seal (inner) to the axle housing. Coat the oil seal lip with multipurpose grease.
   
   

   Fig. Installing the oil seal (inner)-LS 430
   New dust deflector. Be sure to align the hose for the ABS speed sensor in the dust deflector and axle carrier. Upper control arm to the axle carrier by installing the nut. Tighten the nut to 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm). Axle carrier and upper control arm to the vehicle as an assembly 2 upper control arm set bolts and tighten the bolts to 121 ft. lbs. (164 Nm) Bolt and nut holding the strut to the axle carrier. Tighten to 101 ft. lbs. (137 Nm). Bolt and nut connecting the No. 2 lower control arm to the axle carrier. Tighten the bolt to 60 ft. lbs. (81 Nm). Nut and adjusting cam to hold the No. 2 lower control arm to the body. Align the adjusting cam marks and tighten the nut to 57 ft. lbs. (78 Nm). Stabilizer bar link to the No. 2 lower control arm and tighten the nut to 48 ft. lbs. (65 Nm) No. 1 lower control arm to the axle carrier and body. Install the nut to hold the No. 1 lower control arm to the axle carrier. Tighten the nut to 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm). Nut and adjusting cam to hold the No. 1 lower control arm to the body. Align the matchmarks and tighten the nut to 57 ft. lbs. (78 Nm). Strut rod to the axle carrier and body. Install the bolt and nut to hold the strut rod to the body. Tighten to 57 ft. lbs. (78 Nm). Bolt and nut to hold the strut rod to the axle carrier. Tighten to 136 ft. lbs. (184 Nm) Parking brake shoes and cable Outboard joint side of the halfshaft and align the matchmarks on the side gear shaft and the halfshaft. Coat the threads with clean oil and install the hexagon bolts. Tighten bolts to 61 ft. lbs. (83 Nm). Suspension member brace with the 2 bolts. Tighten the 2 bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm). Nut to hold the halfshaft to the rear axle. Tighten the nut to 213 ft. lbs. (289 Nm). Lock cap and cotter pin Brake disc to the axle hub with the matchmarks aligned. Install the 2 screws and tighten the screws to 48 inch lbs. (5 Nm). Brake caliper to the vehicle and install the 2 bolts. Tighten the bolts to 77 ft. lbs. (104 Nm). ABS speed sensor and wiring harness Height control sensor link with the matchmarks aligned. Tighten the nut to 48 inch lbs. (5 Nm). Rear wheel(s) Negative battery cable
   

2. Lower the vehicle and turn ON the air suspension switch.

Fig. Exploded view rear carrier assembly, hub and bearing-

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   WARNING Be careful not to damage the boot and ABS sensor
   
   
   Rear wheel(s) Height control sensor link from the lower control arm Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) speed sensor and wiring harness Brake caliper bracket from the rear axle carrier by removing the 2 bolts. Support the caliper with a piece of wire. Brake rotor Parking brake shoes and cable Toe control link Separate upper control arm assembly Shock absorber from axle carrier Suspension arms No 1 and 2 from axle carrier Rear axle from carrier
   
   
   Wheel bearing dust deflector 4 bolts and axle & bearing hub assembly
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   4 bolts and axle & bearing assembly. Tighten to 48 ft. lbs (65 Nm) Rear wheel bearing dust deflector Rear drive axle Upper control arm. Temporarily tighten No 2 and No 1 suspension arms. Tighten to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) Shock absorber. Temporarily tighten Toe control link. Tighten to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm) Fully tighten upper control arm. Tighten to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) Height control sensor Parking brake shoes and cable Speed sensor Rear disc brake caliper Fully tighten shock with new nut to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) Rear tire
   
2. Inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment
3. Check ABS speed sensor signal

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear wheel Wheel speed sensor Axle halfshaft Brake caliper and rotor Parking brake shoes Parking brake cable No. 1 lower suspension arm bolt No. 2 lower suspension arm bolt Toe control link Upper ball joint Axle carrier from the vehicle
   
3. Press the hub out of the wheel bearing, then remove the backing plate.
4. Remove the snapring, then press the wheel bearing out of the axle carrier.

To install:

NOTE Use a new toe control link nut for assembly.

1. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure, while using the following torque values:
   
   Backing plate bolts: 43 ft. lbs. (59 Nm) No. 1 lower suspension arm bolt: 55 ft. lbs. (75 Nm) No. 2 lower suspension arm bolt: 81 ft. lbs. (110 Nm) Toe control link nut: 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm) Upper ball joint nut: 80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm) Brake caliper support bolts: 77 ft. lbs. (104 Nm) Rear wheel lug nuts: 76 ft. lbs. (103 Nm)
   

Fig. Exploded view rear Axle carrier and hub assembly-ES 330

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear tire and wheel assembly Brake caliper support bracket Brake rotor Skid control sensor wire 4 bolts and rear hub and bearing assembly Skid control sensor
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   NOTE Inspect bearing back lash and hub deviation
   
   
   Skid control sensor Rear axle hub and bearing assembly with 4 bolts. Tighten to 59 ft. lbs. (80 Nm) Skid control sensor wire
   
   
   Rear disc Rear disc brake caliper assembly. Tighten to 46 ft. lbs (62 Nm) Flexible brake hose Rear tire and wheel
   
2. inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment
3. Check ABS speed sensor signal

Stabilizer Bar

Removal & Installation

1. Remove the rear wheels.
2. Remove the 2 nuts and left stabilizer bar link. If the ball joint turns together with the nut, use a hexagon wrench (5 mm) to hold the stud. Repeat for the right side.
3. Remove the 8 bolts, 2 No. 1 brackets and 2 bushings. Two types of bolts are used, so make sure the correct bolts are installed.
4. Remove the stabilizer bar.

To install:

1. Install the stabilizer bar.
2. Install the bushing and bracket with the 2 bolts and tighten to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm). Install the bushing to the inner side of the bushing stopper on the stabilizer bar.
3. Connect the stabilizer bar links and tighten the nuts to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm). Repeat for the right side.
4. Install the rear wheels.
5. Inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment.

Strut & Coil Spring

Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   CAUTION Do NOT remove the center nut to the strut at this time. The spring on the strut is under high pressure and can cause serious injury.
   
   
   No. 2 luggage compartment trim cover Left and right deck side trim box Rear luggage compartment trim cover Front luggage compartment trim cover Left and right side luggage compartment trim covers Rear wheel Rear wheel fender liner No. 2 differential support protector Rear suspension member brace Rear No. 2 lower control arm Mounting bolts and strut assembly
   
3. Secure the strut in a vise.
4. Compress the coil spring
5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Upper strut retaining nut Suspension support Upper insulator Bumper Coil spring Insulator

Sounds as if the gears may be broken in the rear axle, the front axle will pull the car if in four wheel drive but when in 2 wheel drive only the rear axle pulls. Get the back tires off the ground and turn the rear end by the wheels. You may or may not hear any noise but if it is in park it you should feel some resistance if the gears are in good shape, will likely turn freely or lock up completely in spots if the gears are broken.

is axle broke all the way into?

Do you have:
1. Shocks and Leaf Springs?
If so: the Shocks could be "shot" and/or broken or completely discharged. OR the Leaf Springs Retainers or the Leaf Springs have broken. The Retainers should have two (2) bolts holding braces which hold the multiple leafs of the Leaf Springs together. Check these. Also you have bushings bolted then welded to the frame that will need to be checked.
2. Struts with Coils (Springs)?
If so: the Struts could be "shot, and/or broken or completely discharged. The Coils (Springs) could be broken of dislocated.
3. Coils (Springs) without Struts?
If so: the Coils (Springs) could be broken or dislocated.
4. Independent Bar Suspension?
If so: the independent bars could be bent, broken or dislocated from their frame connections with the frame.
5. Solid Axle?
If so: the Axle could be bent, broken or dislocated from their frame connections with the frame.
Since you cannot lift the vehicle, I am assuming you are using the jack under the axle to lift? This would point to the Axle/Bars being broken.

Was an excessive load (weight) put on the back of the SUV lately?

If you can't lift the rear of the vehicle, jack-up and properly support the front then jack-up and support the middle towars the rear of the vehicle to gain access to the rear of the vehicle for a better look.
However while doing this if the rear starts rising: keep a careful eye on the rear tires to see if they are going lower than what they would normally go when you are jacking-up the rear, especially with a broken Axle or Bars. THIS COULD CAUSE THE BROKEN OR DISLOCATED PARTS TO FURTHER BREAK OR CAUSE OTHER CONNECTING PARTS TO FAIL AND BREAK OR COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS OF THE CAR. I have seen an Axle and Bars that were broken "pierce" into the body of the vehicle because they were not carefully watching.
Let me know if this helped, or if you have any additional information, problems, or questions. Feel free to contact me at FixYa.com!
ps...when describing your problem feel free to fully explain in as much detail as you can, including in this case what type of rear suspension system you have, 2WD, 4WD, AWD, your engine size etc. There is no limit to describing your problem. It enables us to get a very precise answer to your very precise problem quicker.

The axle probably lost a keeper ring on the inside of the differential and the pieces may be going through the differential and ring&pinion gearing making the noises you hear. You will need to drain the oil out, find the broken pieces, and inspect all gearing for broken/damaged teeth, and for any noisy bearings. Flush the case out with cleaning solvent. Re-insert the loose axle after cleaning and inspecting it well--especially the interior end. Replace the keeper (new) on the axle end inside the differential spider gearing. Inspect the brakes on the loose axle side for any oil deposits and for any damage that might have been caused when the axle came out. If the differential is badly damaged, it might be cheaper to find another rear end in a wrecking yard. Hope this helps!

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO RATE!!!

Removal & Installation

Remove or disconnect the following:

• Brake hose bracket screw from the control arm
  
• Shock absorber lower bolt while using a utility stand to support the rear axle
  
• Tie rod from the rear axle
  
• Spring and insulators after lowering the rear axle
  

Exploded view of the coil spring assembly


To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   • Insulators and springs on the rear axle with the paint stripe is facing rearward
     
   • Rear axle tie rod after raising the rear axle into its proper position. Torque the nut to 92 ft. lbs. (125 Nm).
     
   • Shock absorbers to the rear axle. Torque the upper and lower nuts to 63 ft. lbs. (85 Nm).
     
   • Brake hose bracket to the control arm. Torque the bolt to 33 ft. lbs. (44 Nm).
     
2. Remove the axle supports.
   

Is it the axle in the hub or a skewer (quick release) that is broken? If it is the skewer, those can be replaced. If it is the hub (with a through-axle), then you would do best to buy a new wheel.

Remove wheel, remove rear diff cover, remove small bolt that retains spider gear cross shaft in the carrier. Push axle in, remove "c" clip on end of axle and remove axle from housing. Reverse to replace. Only problem you may have is that sometimes small bolt is broken inside carrier. if broken you will need to drill a tiny hole into it and remove with tiny "easy out" or other similar device.
Do not turn carrier when shaft has been removed or spider gears will rotate and fall out!