Drive Pinion Flange: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Remove the rear brake discs and calipers. Refer to REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER & PADS .
Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange (4851) for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 1: Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange For Correct Alignment During Installation
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.
- Position the driveshaft out of the way.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install a torque wrench on the pinion nut and record the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.

Fig 4: Tightening Pinion Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 5: Holding Pinion Flange With Pinion Flange Holding Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use a pinion flange holding tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the pinion nut.
Mark the pinion flange in relation to the drive pinion stem to ensure correct alignment during installation.

Fig 6: Identifying Marking On Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 7: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tools
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.