Axle Shaft: Installation

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.

Lubricate the lip of the axle shaft oil seal with grease.
Install the axle shaft.

Fig 1: Locating Axle Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the U-washer grooves.

Install the U-washer.
- Position the U-washer on the button end of the axle shaft.
- Pull the axle shaft outward.

Fig 2: Locating U-Washer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt is unavailable coat the threads of the original differential pinion shaft lock bolt with threadlock prior to installation.

Install the differential pinion shaft.
- Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the differential case lock bolt hole.
- Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
  - Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

Fig 3: Installing Differential Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.

NOTE: Make sure the machined surfaces on both the axle housing and the differential housing cover are clean and free of oil before applying the new silicone sealant. The inside of the axle must be covered when cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.

Clean the gasket mating surface of the axle and the differential housing cover.
Apply a new, continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover.

Fig 4: Applying A New Continuous Bead Of Sealant To Differential Housing Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to ensure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

Install the differential housing cover and the differential housing cover bolts.
- Tighten to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).

Fig 5: Locating Differential Housing Cover Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: For Traction-Lok® axles, first fill the axle with 118 ml (4 oz) of friction modifier.

NOTE: Service refill capacities are determined by filling the axle with the specified lubricant to the specified level below the bottom of the filler hole.

Remove the fill plug, fill the axle to the level shown with axle lubricant and install the filler plug.
- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

Fig 6: Checking Axle Lubricant Fill Level

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.