Differential Bearings: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS. 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 LIFTING .
Remove the rear axle assembly. For additional information, refer to REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY .
Drain the axle lubricant.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Differential Bearings Components
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The machined surfaces on the differential housing and the differential housing cover must be clean and free of oil before applying the new Silicone Gasket and Sealant F7AZ-19554-EA meeting Ford specification WSE-M4G323-A4. Cover the inside of the axle before cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.

Remove the differential housing cover.
Mount the differential assembly in the special tool.

Fig 2: Mounting Differential Assembly In Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark the rear axle pinion flange to the differential pinion stem.

Fig 3: Marking Rear Axle Pinion Flange To Differential Pinion Stem
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: After removing the differential drive pinion nut, discard it. Use a new differential drive pinion nut for installation.

Fig 4: Removing Differential Drive Pinion Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use the special tool to hold the rear axle pinion flange while removing the differential drive pinion nut.
Using the special tool, remove the rear axle pinion flange.

Fig 5: Removing Rear Axle Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use a screwdriver to force up the metal flange of the rear pinion oil seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with a hammer to remove the rear pinion oil seal.

Fig 6: Removing Rear Pinion Oil Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear pinion oil seal slinger, outer pinion bearing and the drive pinion collapsible spacer.
Force up the metal flange on the halfshaft housing seal.

Fig 7: Forcing Up Metal Flange On Halfshaft Housing Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install gripping pliers and strike with a hammer to remove the halfshaft housing seals from the housing.

Fig 8: Removing Halfshaft Housing Seals From Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the selective snap ring, differential bearing shim and the differential bearing cups.
Install the differential bearing cap, then the differential bearing cap bolts in the original location.
- Tighten to 105 N.m (77 lb-ft).
Fig 9: Tightening Differential Bearing Cap Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential bearing cap bolts and bearing cap after index-marking the original location.

Fig 10: Removing Differential Bearing Cap Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential case assembly.
Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 11: Removing Differential Bearings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion gear.
Using the special tool and a suitable press, remove the inner pinion bearing.
1. Position the special tool under the inner pinion bearing.
2. Press the inner pinion bearing off the differential pinion gear.
Using a drift punch and a hammer, remove the inner pinion bearing cup.
Using a drift punch and a hammer, remove the outer pinion bearing cup.

Fig 13: Removing Outer Pinion Bearing Cup
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.