Halfshaft - LH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the front tire and wheel. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

Fig 1: Locating Front Wheel Hub Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove and discard the front wheel hub nut.
Remove the front and rear lower control arm nuts.

Fig 2: Locating Front And Rear Lower Control Arm Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Once pressure is applied to the ball joint with the special tool, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, disconnect the 2 ball joints.
Using the special tool, separate the half shaft from the wheel hub.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: When the lower ball joint is separated from the wheel knuckle, the lower arm may strike the outer constant velocity (CV) joint boot with enough force to damage the boot clamp. This will result in a loss of grease from the outer CV joint. Place a block of wood, or similar item, between the lower arm and the outer CV joint to prevent the lower arm from striking the outer CV joint.

Fig 5: Locating Damper Fork Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the damper fork bolt and flagnut connecting the damper fork to the lower control arm.
Remove the brake caliper hose bolt.

Fig 6: Locating Brake Caliper Hose Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Support the knuckle with a suitable jackstand.

Fig 7: Pulling Knuckle Outboard

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Pull the knuckle outboard and rotate it toward the rear of the vehicle.
Remove the lower control arm-to-subframe bolt. Remove the lower control arm.

Fig 8: Locating Lower Control Arm To Subframe Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 pushpins and position the splash shield aside.

Fig 9: Locating Pushpins
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The sharp edges on the stub shaft splines can slice or puncture the oil seal. Use care when inserting the stub shaft into the transmission.

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tools

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tools remove the halfshaft from the transmission.
Remove and discard the circlip from the stub shaft.

Fig 11: Locating Halfshaft Circlip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.