Drive Pinion Flange and Drive Pinion Seal: Removal

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

CAUTION: The color on the rear face of the drive pinion nut is critical to this repair. Use the same color new drive pinion nut for installation. If a new collapsible spacer must be installed for pinion bearing preload reduction, install the nut supplied with the new spacer kit or damage to the component may occur.

NOTE: The rear wheels and brake calipers must be removed to prevent brake drag during drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.

Remove the rear brake calipers. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.
Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT article.

Fig 1: Identifying Pinion Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install a N.m torque wrench on the pinion nut and record the rotational torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.

Fig 2: Holding Pinion Flange With Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: After removal of the pinion nut, discard it. A new nut must be used for installation.

Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange while removing the pinion nut.

Fig 3: Identifying Index-Mark On Pinion Shaft And Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark the pinion flange in relation to the drive pinion stem to make sure alignment is correct during installation.

Fig 4: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 5: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Force up on the metal flange of the rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers to the seal flange and strike with a hammer until the rear axle drive pinion seal is removed.