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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 385 (Front Drive Axle/Differential - DANA 35) >> Removal & Installation >> Axle Assembly - Front >> Removal

Axle Assembly - Front: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
  2. Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
    3. WARNING: Remove or tape the brake pads, to prevent them from falling out of the caliper guides.
    CAUTION: Do not allow the calipers to hang by the hoses.
    NOTE: Install a wheel nut to secure each brake disc in place.
    Fig 1: Removing Brake Calipers
    G03434704Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove the bolts and position both calipers aside.
  4. Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both outer tie-rods.
    Fig 2: Removing Cotter Pins & Nuts From Outer Tie-Rods
    G03434705Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    5. NOTE: Do not damage the tie-rod dust boots when installing the special tool. Apply a small amount of grease to the tie-rod stud.
    Fig 3: Separating Tie-Rod Ends From Knuckles
    G03434706Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod ends from the knuckles.
  6. Unclip the left and right wheel anti-lock sensor wiring harnesses from the locators on the vehicle chassis, located above the stabilizer bar brackets.
    7. WARNING: Do not allow the wheel knuckle to hang freely. It is possible to overextend and internally separate the inner CV joint. Separate both axle halfshafts from the front axle.
    CAUTION: Take necessary precautions to protect the machined sealing surfaces on each axle.
    Fig 4: Disconnecting Upper Ball Joints
    G03434707Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove both pinch bolts and disconnect the upper ball joints.
    • Pull the RH axle halfshaft, with the wheel knuckle, away from the axle until the axle halfshaft is out of the axle.
    • Pull the LH axle halfshaft, with the wheel knuckle, away from the axle. The LH axle cannot be removed from the axle at this time.
  8. Raise the vehicle.
  9. Remove the lower engine splash shield, if equipped.
    10. WARNING: Tape the U-joint bearing caps to prevent them from falling off the U-joint.
    WARNING: Index-mark the front axle pinion flange to the front driveshaft.
    Fig 5: Removing Driveshaft Bolts & Straps
    G03434708Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Remove and discard the bolts and straps. Secure the driveshaft out of the way.
    11. NOTE: Use the Axle Service Plugs Set T95T-4850-A to plug the axle openings.
    Fig 6: Securing Axle Housing To Suitable Lift
    G03434709Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Secure the axle housing to a suitable lift.
  12. Remove and discard the bolts.
    Fig 7: Removing Axle Housing Bolts (1 Of 2)
    G03434710Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 8: Removing Axle Housing Bolts (2 Of 2)
    G03434711Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Lower the axle 25 mm (1 inch) and move to the right 19 mm (0.75 inch), guiding the LH axle halfshaft out of the axle.
  14. Disconnect the vent hose from the front axle housing.
    Fig 9: Disconnecting Vent Hose From Front Axle Housing
    G03434712Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Lower the axle from the vehicle.
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