Drive Pinion Flange and Drive Pinion Seal: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Coat the new rear axle drive pinion seal lips with grease.
- Using the special tool, install the rear axle drive pinion seal.
- Lubricate the pinion flange splines with rear axle lubricant.
- Position the pinion flange.
- Using the special tool, install the pinion flange.
- Select the correct pinion nut for installation.8.8-IN DRIVE PINION NUT
Part Number Color Description Application 389546-S100 Orange Axles built before 7/16/07 4320 Purple Axles built after 7/16/07 4C121 Purple Kit with spacer for all 223.52 mm (8.8 in) axles - Install the new washer and pinion nut. Only hand-tighten the pinion nut at this time.
- Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the pinion nut to set the drive pinion bearing preload.
- Tighten the pinion nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the drive pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent drive pinion bearing preload readings by rotating the drive pinion gear with a Nm (lb-in) torque wrench. The final readings must be 0.56 Nm (5 lb-in) more than the initial reading taken during removal.
- Install the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT article.
- Install the rear brake discs. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.
NOTE:
Installation without the correct tool can result in early seal failure.
NOTE:
If the rear axle drive pinion seal becomes misaligned during installation, remove the seal and install a new seal.
NOTE:
Disregard the index marks if installing a new pinion flange.
CAUTION:
Install a new pinion nut with the same color as the original if not installing a new collapsible spacer or damage to the component may occur.
CAUTION:
Do not loosen the pinion nut to reduce drive pinion bearing preload. Install a new drive pinion collapsible spacer and pinion nut if drive pinion bearing preload reduction is necessary. 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.