Differential Carrier: 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.
- Install the special tools.
- Spread the axle housing to the specification.
- Remove the dial indicator.
- Position the differential bearing shims.
- Apply a light coating of grease to one side of the differential bearing shims to help hold them in place.
- Position the 2 differential bearing shims.
- Position the differential carrier.
- Position the 2 differential bearing cups on the 2 differential bearings.
- Lower the differential assembly in place between the differential bearing shims.
- Install the differential bearing caps in their original positions and tighten with the housing still spread.
- Position the 2 differential bearing caps.
- Install the 4 differential bearing cap bolts.
- Tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
- Remove the special tool.
- Install the special tool.
- Using the special tools, measure the differential ring gear backlash at 4 equally spaced points.
- Attach the special tool.
- Position the special tool tip centrally on a drive tooth.
- Zero the indicator.
- Turn the differential ring gear without turning the drive pinion gear.
- Install a new retainer circlip on each axle shaft.
- Insert the axle shafts and engage them with the differential side gears.
- Push in on the axle shafts until the retaining circlips expand in the differential side gears.
- Remove the axle assembly from the special tool and place it on the bench.
- Fill the sealing groove on the differential housing cover with silicone gasket.
- Install the differential housing cover and the 10 differential housing cover bolts.
- Tighten to 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).
- Fill the axle housing with axle lubricant and install the fill plug.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
- Install the axle assembly. For additional information, refer to Axle Assembly in this article.
NOTE:
Make sure the indicator needle is in the spreader adapter hole.
CAUTION:
Overspreading can damage the axle housing.
CAUTION:
Never attempt to drive the differential bearing shim in place. Permanent damage to the machined axle housing surfaces can occur.
NOTE:
Push the differential carrier downward to fully seat the differential bearing cups in the axle housing.
NOTE:
Install the differential housing cover within 15 minutes of applying the silicone gasket, or it will be necessary to remove and reapply silicone gasket. If possible, allow 1 hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone gasket has cured.