Went ahead and attempted to replace the rear axle seal and emergency brake shoes on my '03 2500 so I could finally get my state inspection sticker. All in all, not a bad job. I did my research and looked up on DTR and some other sites, but really just needed to follow the Haynes step-by-steps.

Pulled the axle and caliper. Removed rotor. Changed e-brake shoes. Replaced rear axle seal (RR only) and then started putting everything back together. All in all, not that difficult a job at all. Brake shoes went on fine. Seal went in easy. Then started bolting everything up - axle, bearing/hub, caliper mounting bracket, caliper...

Was feeling very pleased with myself right up until I managed to snap the caliper mounting/slide bolt off in the mounting bracket. Dead standstill on the job.

Now I have to wait 2 days for the dealer to get a new mounting bracket and bolts in from the warehouse before I can finish putting everything back together. Tried to remove the broken bolt but had no luck and even managed to snap off the remover. Aggravating doesn't even begin to describe it.

Oh well, could have been a lot worse (knock on wood). As long as job is done by Friday so I can still pull my 5er on our first camping trip.

 

I HATE it when that happens!