05 AWD Rear Axle Bearing Removal

[Coolharts]

I am getting a tire / grinding noise from the right rear of my 05 AWD Vibe. After reading multiple posts and following

http://forums.genvibe.com/files/importe ... 040001.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I realized there had to be an easier way. The trick to removing the hub is to have a 12mm 1/4" ratchet and socket with extensions and a 3/8" drive and 3/8 to 1/4" adaptor.

First I fought to get the right rear axle nut off (it is a RH thread on the right side). Use the parking brake to hold the drum, soak the nut with PB Blaster and let it sit. A breaker bar and a 30 MM socket will get it off.

Now for the 4 fun bolts. Get under the car and use the small socket, it goes straight on the nut with the small socket, use the 3/8 to 1/4 adapter and give leverage. The top left bolt can be easily accessed from top. The nuts do not have to be taken completely out once off the hub. The hub will come free. Took me about 15 minutes to get the bolts out. I have ordered the hub from Rock Auto and will reassemble later this week.

[Coolharts]

While working on the car I found the seal leaking for the right half shaft. I drained the fluid, it was clean and not low. I removed the shaft, pulled the seal and will go to a Toyota dealer early this week for the parts.

[SeattleJeremy]

Good catch! Hope you can get back up and running soon

[Coolharts]

Seal and axle are in, just waiting for the bearing, it should be here tomorrow.

The new axle nut is a 30 MM 12 pt, the old one was a 6 pt so I need to find another socket. The guy at the Toyota dealer was more than happy to sell me parts for the Vibe.

[Coolharts]

Long story I put the bearing in, reassembled everything and took it for a drive. The car is much quieter. 2 miles into the drive my ABS, TPM and Brake light came on. I got back home, tested a code 38 R/R wheel sensor. I reset the codes and tried again. The light came on in 1/2 a mile. The next day I called a Toyota dealer, stopped by and ordered a sensor ($207). The part came in, I installed it and the ABS motor was running at slow speed stops now and the ABS light came on. I tore the axle out to check the sensor ring, I found 1 damaged tooth. I ordered an axle and it cam in to Advance Auto the next day ($72).

I went to put the axle in, a pry bar pulling the spindle down slipped, my thumb got sliced open (should have got stiches but didn't). On Thanksgiving morning I reassembled everything (being careful not to split my thumb open), I cleared the codes and I took the car for a ride, the ABS lights were off but the ABS pump still ran 3 out of 5 stops. On T-Giving night I replaced the RR sensor with he old one and took it for a ride, everything worked right! Finally, fixed.

I am going to talk to the Toyota Parts Dept to see if the will help me out with the bad sensor.

Moral of the story, check the axle sensor ring before buying a sensor, it is a lot cheaper AND don't let the car draw blood.

[SeattleJeremy]

Wow, that sucks! Glad you've got it back up and running. Hope your thumb heals well