Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Index-mark the driveshaft flange and the pinion flange.

NOTE: Support the driveshaft.

Remove and discard the 4 driveshaft-to-drive pinion bolts and position aside the rear driveshaft.
- To install, tighten the 4 new bolts to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Remove the rear halfshafts. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Position a suitable transmission hydraulic jack to the axle housing. Securely strap the jack to the housing.

Fig 1: Positioning Suitable Transmission Hydraulic Jack To Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the active torque coupling electrical connector.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Active Torque Coupling Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 differential housing-to-front insulator bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 3: Locating Differential Housing-To-Front Insulator Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the LH front insulator bracket-to-subframe bolt and rotate the bracket aside.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the RH front insulator bracket-to-subframe bolt and the bracket.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Remove the 3 LH side insulator bracket-to-rear axle differential bolts.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Locating LH Side Insulator Bracket-To-Rear Axle Differential Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the rear axle assembly.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.