Drive Pinion Flange: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Lubricate the pinion flange splines with lubricant.
- Align the pinion flange with the drive pinion shaft.
- With the drive pinion in place in the rear axle housing, install the pinion flange using the special tool.
- Position the new pinion nut.
- Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange and tighten the pinion nut.
- Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating correctly.
- Install a N.m (inch-pound) torque wrench on the pinion nut.
- Rotating the pinion through several revolutions, take frequent cone and roller bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded preload reading is obtained.
- If the original recorded preload is lower than specification for used bearings, tighten to the appropriate specification. If the preload is higher than the specification, then tighten the nut to the original reading as recorded.
- Refer to the TORQUE SPECIFICATION for used pinion bearings.
- Position the driveshaft and align the marks on the pinion flange.
- Install the driveshaft bolts.
- Install the rear brake drums. For additional information, refer to DISC & DRUM .
NOTE:
Disregard the scribe marks if a new pinion flange is being installed.
CAUTION:
Under no circumstances is the pinion nut to be backed off to reduce preloads. If reduced preload is required, a new drive pinion collapsible spacer and pinion nut must be installed.
CAUTION:
Remove the special tool while taking preload readings with the N.m (inch pound) torque wrench.
CAUTION:
The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.