2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara

REAR AXLE SHAFT
Removal
CAUTION:DO NOT pull or twist wire harness more than necessary when removing rear wheel speed sensor. DO NOT cause damage to surface of rear wheel speed sensor or pole piece and do not allow dust, etc. To enter installation hole.

Remove rear brake drum. Drain gear oil from rear axle housing by loosening drain plug. Remove rear wheel bearing retainer nuts from axle housing. Remove wheel speed sensor from rear axle housing (if equipped with ABS).
CAUTION:Pull out axle shaft with care so that upper and lower brake struts and parking cable are not caught.

Ensure there is clearance between rear wheel bearing retainer and parking brake shoe lever. If there isn't clearance, loosen cable locking nut further to obtain clearance. Using a brake drum remover and a slide hammer, draw out axle shaft.
On vehicles equipped with ABS, remove sensor rotor from retainer ring. Use a grinder to grind one part of the sensor rotor until it is thin. Use a chisel to break sensor rotor and remove.
CAUTION:Use care when grinding and chiseling ring to avoid damage to axle shaft.

To remove bearing retainer ring from axle shaft, grind bearing retainer in 2 places and use a chisel to break retainer ring.
Remove retainer ring from shaft. Remove bearing from shaft by using a hydraulic press. Remove wheel studs using a hydraulic press.
Installation
Apply a small amount of lithium grease to the bearing retainer oil seal outer edge and press in using an oil seal installer. Be careful to press-fit in proper direction, and position. See Fig. 7.
Aligning serrations between new stud bolts and flange, install new studs by tightening nut as shown. See Fig. 8.
Install bearing retainer on shaft.
Press-fit wheel bearing and retainer ring. See Fig. 9.
On vehicles equipped with ABS, press-fit new sensor rotor. See Fig. 10.
Apply lithium grease to axle shaft inner oil seal lip. See Fig. 11.
Apply sealant to mating surface of bearing retainer with brake back plate.
Install rear axle shaft to rear axle housing and tighten bearing retainer nuts to 17 Ft. Lbs (23 N.M).
Tighten ABS wheel speed sensor bolt to 15.5 Ft Lbs (21 N.M).
Refill rear differential with new differential gear oil. Install brake drum.