Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the front driveshaft from the transfer case first. Otherwise, the weight of the driveshaft can pinch the boot between the driveshaft and the constant velocity (CV) joint flange which can cause the boot to tear.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Index-mark the front driveshaft to maintain driveshaft balance.

Fig 1: Identifying Index-Mark On Front Output Shaft Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint Retainer Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 6 CV joint bolts and CV joint washers.
- To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Removing CV Joint Bolts And CV Joint Washers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 universal joint strap bolts and remove the universal joint straps.
- Discard the bolts.
- To install, tighten to 19 Nm (14 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Removing Universal Joint Strap Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front driveshaft.

Fig 5: Removing Front Driveshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The can (domed CV joint housing cover) is pressed into the CV joint housing at the factory. When housed correctly, the can will appear as shown in the cut-away illustration (top box) in Fig 6. Do not reseat the can in the CV joint housing if the can's flange is above the CV joint housing as shown in the cut-away illustration (bottom box) in Fig 6. Install a new driveshaft.

CAUTION: Tighten the CV joint bolts evenly in a cross pattern or damage will occur to the CV joint.

NOTE: Install new CV joint washers and CV joint bolts. If new CV joint bolts are not available, coat the threads of the original CV joint bolts with Threadlock and Sealer TA-25 meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5.

NOTE: Install new universal joint strap bolts. If new universal joint strap bolts are not available, coat the threads of the original universal joint strap bolts with Threadlock and Sealer TA-25 meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5.

NOTE: Verify that the universal joint bearing caps are seated in the pinion yoke flange before tightening the universal joint strap bolts.

Fig 6: Identifying Seating Of Universal Joint Bearings

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.