Drive Pinion Flange: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
NOTE: The rear wheels and brake drums/calipers must be removed to prevent brake drag during drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

   Vehicles with drum brakes 

3. Remove the rear brake drums.

   Vehicles with disc brakes 

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

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.
   Fig 2: Identifying Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange Mark

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Remove the four driveshaft bolts.
   Fig 3: Removing Driveshaft Bolts

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the yoke from the flange.
8. Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.
   • Position the driveshaft out of the way.
     Fig 4: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Rear Axle Pinion Flange

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Install an inch-pound torque wrench on the pinion nut and record the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.
   Fig 5: Installing Torque Wrench On Pinion Nut

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: After removal of the pinion nut, discard it. A new nut must be used for installation.
Fig 6: Holding Pinion Flange With Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange and remove the pinion nut.
11. Mark the pinion flange in relation to the drive pinion stem to make sure of correct alignment during installation.
    Fig 7: Aligning Pinion Flange To Drive Pinion Stem Mark

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
    Fig 8: Removing Pinion Flange

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.