How to Replace Rear Axle Shaft: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to replace the rear axle shaft on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Rear Axle Shaft on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Rear axle shafts: driver side and passenger side
• Brake cleaner

Tightening Torques

• Pinion shaft lock bolt:
  • 96 in-lbs
• Rear differential housing cover bolts:
  • 3.5 Ft-lbs or 42 In-lbs
• Slide pins:
  • 2014 and earlier: 22 Ft-lbs
  • 2015 and later: 24 Ft-lbs
• Caliper mounting bracket bolts:
  • 2012 and earlier: 120 Ft-lbs
  • 2013 and 2014: 142 Ft-lbs
  • 2015 and later: 132 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Liquid collector
• Ratchet
• 13mm socket
• Crowbar
• Plastic fork
• Flat head screwdriver
• 8mm wrench
• Torque wrench
  • 20 to 250 Ft-lbs
  • 100 to 600 Ft-lbs
• Paper towel
• Razor blade
• Sandpaper
• Silicone for gaskets

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

• Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
• Pull the hood release handle and open the hood.
• Open the brake fluid reservoir.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the rear wheels.
• Lift the rear of your vehicle.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands.
• Remove the wheels to have full access.

Step 2: Brake System Removal

• Remove the brake caliper, pads, and disks if necessary.

Step 3: Differential Cover Removal

• Drain the differential fluid.
• Remove the differential cover bolts using a ratchet, extender, and 13mm socket.
• Use a crowbar to remove the differential cover.

Step 4: Accessing Pinion Shaft

• Manually put the vehicle in “Neutral.”
• Remove the plastic cover above the parking brake.
• Use a flat head screwdriver to release the locking pin and pull on the strap.
• Rotate the rear axle for access to the pinion shaft lock bolt.
• Unscrew the lock bolt using an 8mm wrench.

Step 5: Removing Pinion Shaft and Axle Shaft

• Pull the Neutral manual lever again.
• Extract the pinion shaft by pushing it outward.
• Push the rear axle shaft toward the differential to drop the retaining clip.
• Remove the rear axle shaft.

Step 6: Installing New Rear Axle Shaft

• Insert the new rear axle shaft.
• Replace the retaining clip.
• Pull the axle shaft to secure the retaining clip.
• Reinsert the pinion shaft.
• Rotate the axle shaft to replace the lock bolt.
• Screw the lock bolt by hand and finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 7: Differential Cover Replacement

• Clean the seal surface on the differential and cover.
• Apply silicone gasket maker on the cover.
• Replace the differential cover and tighten the bolts.
• Add fluid back into the differential with precision.

Step 8: Final Steps

• Replace the brake system.
• Put the wheels back on your vehicle.
• Lower the car and block the wheels.
• Screw the brake fluid cap back on.
• Start your car, pump the brake pedal to push the brake pads together.
• Drive smoothly for the first 30 miles to avoid glazing the new pads.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

Once the operation is completed, you’ll need pump slowly on the brake pedal a few times until feeling a strong resistance from the pedal. The aim being to bring the brake pads closer to one other.

In order to remove the rear axle shaft, you need to disengage it from the differential.

Before replacing the differential cover, you need to clean the seal surface to ensure a perfect seal.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.