Assembled bridge (Discovery 3)

Removal

CAUTION: Do not loosen or unscrew the large protruding hex plug on the differential housing.

1.

CAUTION: Do not work on a vehicle supported solely by a jack. Always place reliable supports under the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the rear wheels.

3. Remove the muffler assembly. For more information, refer to Muffler - Vehicles Not Included: Diesel Fuel Filter (10/30/11)

4. Remove the right rear axle shaft. For more information, refer to Rear Axle Shaft (47.11.01)

5.

CAUTION: Prevent the ball joint from turning by holding it with a wrench on the provided Allen key.

Remove the left rear stabilizer bar. Unscrew and discard the two nuts.



6. Remove the parking brake cable from the left lower arm.



7. Disconnect the left rear toe-in rod. Remove the bolt.





8.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot. Damage to the protective boot will result in premature failure of the joint.

Release the left rear hub support from the lower arm.

• Remove the bolt.
• Support the left rear hub support with a suitable support.

9.

NOTE: The picture shows the right side, the same for the left side.

Disconnect the left rear axle shaft from the axle assembly. Remove the snap ring and discard it.



10.

CAUTION: Mark the position of the propeller shaft flange relative to the pinion flange.

Disconnect the propeller shaft from the drive flange on the rear axle.

• Remove and discard four bolts.
• Suspend the driveshaft using a suitable clamp.

11. Vehicles with electric differential lock motor: Disconnect the two electrical connectors. Release the two wiring harness clamps.



12. Using a transmission jack, support the rear axle assembly.

13.

CAUTION: Before disconnecting or removing components, clean the area around mating surfaces and connections. Plug open connections to prevent contamination.

Using outside help, remove the rear axle assembly.

• Remove three bolts.
• Disconnect the ventilation line.

Installation

1. Using outside help, install the rear axle assembly.

• Tighten the front bolt to 203 Nm.
• Tighten the rear bolts to 175 Nm.
• Connect the ventilation line.

2. Vehicles with electric differential lock motor: Connect the electrical connectors. Secure the wiring harness clamps.
3.

NOTE: Install new bolts.

Connect the propeller shaft to the drive flange on the rear axle.

• Clean the mating surfaces of the elements.
• Tighten the bolts to 150 Nm.

4. Install a new snap ring onto the left axle shaft.

5.

NOTE: Do not fully insert the axle shaft until the oil seal guard has been removed.

Attach the left axle shaft to the axle assembly.

• 1) Open the axle shaft seal protection and install the axle shaft.
• 2) Release the axle seal protector from the axle seal.
• 3) Remove the axle shaft seal guard.
• 4) Install the axle shaft completely.
• 5) Make sure the snap ring is fully seated and holds the axle shaft.

6.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot. Damage to the protective boot will result in premature failure of the joint.

Secure the left rear hub support to the lower arm. Tighten the nut and bolt to 275 Nm.

7. Secure the left rear toe-in rod. Tighten the bolt to 175 Nm.



8. Connect the parking brake cable to the left lower control arm.

9.

NOTE: Install new nuts.

Install the left rear stabilizer bar. Tighten the nuts to 115 Nm.

10. Install the right rear axle shaft. For more information, refer to Rear Axle Shaft (47.11.01)

11. Install the muffler assembly. For more information, refer to Muffler - Vehicle Not Included: Diesel Fuel Filter (10/30/11)

12. Install the wheels. Tighten the wheel nuts to 140 Nm.