Axle Housing: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange.

Fig 1: Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Four 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.

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 3: Using Suitable Tool Disconnect Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the axle shafts. Refer to AXLE SHAFT .
- Wire the brake backing plates or calipers aside. Do not disconnect the brake lines.
Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Rear Brake Anti-Lock Sensor Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the vent hose.

Fig 5: Removing Vent Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake hose junction block bolt.

Fig 6: Removing Brake Hose Junction Block Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the parking brake cables from the rear axle housing.

Fig 7: Separating Parking Brake Cables From Rear Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake line from the brake line retaining clips.

Fig 8: Removing Brake Line From Brake Line Retaining Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 9: Removing Bolt From Differential Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Support the rear axle with a suitable transmission jack.

Fig 10: Supporting Rear Axle With Suitable Transmission Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower shock absorber nuts and bolts.

Fig 11: Removing Lower Shock Absorber Nuts And Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear axle U-bolt assembly.
1. Remove the rear spring plate nuts.
2. Remove the two rear spring plate U-bolts.
3. Remove the rear spring plate.
4. Repeat the procedure for the other side.
  
  Fig 12: Removing Rear Axle U-Bolt Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the axle from the vehicle.