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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1353 (Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear) >> Removal And Installation >> Axle Assembly >> Removal

Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the LH side of the luggage compartment. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
    Fig 1: Locating Air Suspension Service Switch
    G04583069Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Turn the air suspension switch OFF.
    2. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
  2. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
  3. Remove the rear disc brake calipers and position them aside. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .
  4. Remove the parking brake rear cable and conduit from the parking brake cable equalizer.
    • Reroute the parking brake rear cable and conduit aside.
    • Repeat for the other side.
      Fig 2: Removing Parking Brake Rear Cable
      G04583070Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Disconnect the ABS sensor harness routing clips.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting ABS Sensor Harness Routing Clips
    G04583071Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the rear stabilizer bar from the rear stabilizer bar link and bushing.
    Fig 4: Removing Rear Stabilizer Bar From Rear Stabilizer Bar Link And Bushing
    G04583072Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove the rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts and the rear stabilizer bar brackets to disconnect the rear stabilizer bar.
    Fig 5: Removing Rear Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolts
    G04583073Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. If equipped with rear air springs, remove the height sensor.
    Fig 6: Removing Height Sensor
    G04583074Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. CAUTION: Take care not to damage the threads on the bellcrank stud.
  9. Separate the Watts linkage from the rear axle housing.
    • Remove the retainer nut from the bellcrank stud.
      Fig 7: Removing Retainer Nut
      G04583075Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    10. WARNING: Use additional support straps to secure the rear axle to the jack.
    Fig 8: Supporting Rear Axle Housing With Suitable Jack
    G04583076Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Support the rear axle housing with a suitable jack.
  11. Remove the shock absorber lower nuts, then remove the shock absorbers from the retainer brackets.
    Fig 9: Removing Shock Absorbers From Retainer Brackets
    G04583077Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the LH and RH lower control arms.
    Fig 10: Removing Nuts And Bolts Retaining LH And RH Lower Control Arms
    G04583078Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the LH and RH upper control arms.
    Fig 11: Removing Nuts And Bolts Retaining LH And RH Upper Control Arms
    G04583079Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Unseat the air springs and lower the rear axle from the vehicle.
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