Axle Shaft: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
NOTE: Empty the lubricant into a clean container for reuse.
3. Remove the differential housing cover.
   1. Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.
   2. Remove the differential housing cover.

      Vehicles with drum brakes 

4. Remove the rear brake drums.

   Vehicles with disc brakes 

5. Remove the rear disc brake caliper. Refer to REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER & PADS .
   • Wire the rear disc brake caliper aside.
6. Remove the rear brake disc.
   Fig 1: Removing Rear Brake Disc

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   All vehicles 

7. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
   1. Remove and discard the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
   2. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
      Fig 2: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.
8. Remove the U-washers.
   1. Push the axle shafts.
   2. Remove the U-washers.
      Fig 3: Removing U-Washers

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.
Fig 4: Removing Axle Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Remove the two axle shafts.