Yes, don't pull the knuckle! Pull the axle!
It takes 30min to drop the rear differential. Drop the Diff, pull the axle and install the dust shield.

Let us know if need info on how to do this. It's pretty simple but you do need a basic tool to easily pop the axle(s) free.

 

oh I didnt even think of it that way.... how do you 'press' the dust shield while the knuckle is on

 

With the axle out of the way, any seal/bearing driver tool set will do.

Basically the hardship for many is getting the axle to pop free from the diff as there is nothing to grip on.

Pick up at post #352 of my build thread here. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...ce-diy-18.html

It has the tools and method to drop the diff. On a 250, likely no need to loosen the drive shaft in the tunnel, just unbolt the exhaust, two braces, driveshaft, and the 5 bolts holding the diff.

 

I'll update, the rear toe links can in face be removed and installed without dropping the subframe. You need to angle/rotate the cam a certain way and it will slide through the bracket tab and the control arm bushing sleeve.

Car is all back together, aligned with front and rear subframes having a coat of POR15 on them.

Last step is a full paint correction coming soon.

 

Do you torque the axle nut with the car on the ground?

 

Either that or apply the e-brake, or have a helper apply brakes if e-brake doesn't hold.

 

I usually pop out the center cap off of my wheel, install the wheel, lower the car onto the wheel, and proceed to torque to spec. Jack up, remove wheel, hammer a notch into the axle hub lip into the axle stub, and you're done.

 

Old thread hopefully i can get some answers. Purchased an 06 IS350 in great shape minus an intermittent ABS/VSC/BRAKE warning light on. Throwing a C1238. Outside shop at some point put rear hubs and wheel speed sensors in. They neglected to replace the dust caps on the back side of the hubs and the right rear tone ring is obviously damaged. I’ve gone ahead and ordered a new SKF hub, my question is related to the dust cap. Are they something that I can install without a ton of disassembly? I plan on doing the hub in the car and I’ll probably just leave them out if I’ll have to pull the axle/knuckle to install new ones. Thanks