Differential Ring And Pinion: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential carrier assembly. For additional information, refer to Differential Carrier in this article.
Remove and discard the 10 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Identifying Differential Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Care should be taken not to damage the differential ring gear bolt hole threads.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.

Fig 2: Driving The Differential Ring Gear Off

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The anti-lock ring cannot be reused once removed. Remove the anti-lock ring only if damaged.

If necessary, remove the anti-lock ring.

Fig 3: Identifying Anti-Lock Ring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 4: Removing Differential Bearings

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 5: Identifying Index-Mark Driveshaft Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.

Fig 6: Locating Driveshaft Flange Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange or damage to the component may occur.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
- Using mechanic's wire, position the driveshaft aside.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, remove and discard the pinion nut.

Fig 8: Holding Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Force up on the metal flange of the drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with a hammer until the drive pinion seal is removed.
Remove the drive pinion shaft oil slinger and the outer drive pinion bearing.

Fig 10: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the special tool. Using a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion assembly out of the axle housing.

Fig 11: Driving Pinion Assembly Out Of Axle Housing Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove and discard the drive pinion collapsible spacer.

Fig 12: Removing The Drive Pinion Collapsible Spacer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a brass drift, remove the drive pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the drive pinion bearing cups.

Fig 13: Removing The Pinion Bearing Cups

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.