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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 579 (Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8" Ring Gear) >> In-Vehicle Repair >> Differential Bearings >> Removal

Differential Bearings: Removal

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  1. Remove the differential carrier assembly. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
  2. Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.
    Fig 1: Index-Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange For Correct Alignment During Installation
    G02760936Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.
    Fig 2: Removing Driveshaft Flange Bolts
    G02760937Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Pinion Flange
    G02760938Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
    • Using mechanic's wire, position the driveshaft aside.
  6. CAUTION: Discard the nut after removal. Use a new nut during installation.
    Fig 4: Removing Drive Pinion Nut
    G02760939Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the drive pinion nut.
  8. Index-mark the pinion flange and the drive pinion stem for correct alignment during installation.
    Fig 5: Index-Marking Pinion Flange And Drive Pinion Stem For Correct Alignment During Installation
    G02760940Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
    Fig 6: Removing Pinion Flange
    G02760941Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Using a screwdriver, force up the rear axle drive pinion seal metal flange.
    Fig 7: Forcing Up Rear Axle Drive Pinion Seal Metal Flange
    G02760942Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Using gripping pliers and a hammer, remove the axle drive pinion seal.
    Fig 8: Removing Axle Drive Pinion Seal
    G02760943Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Remove the axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger.
  13. Using the special tool and a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion assembly out of the outer pinion bearing and remove it through the rear of the differential housing.
    Fig 9: Driving Pinion Assembly Out Of Outer Pinion Bearing
    G02760944Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Remove the outer pinion bearing.
  15. Remove the drive pinion collapsible spacer and discard it.
    Fig 10: Removing Drive Pinion Collapsible Spacer
    G02760945Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Using the special tool and a suitable press, remove the inner pinion bearing.
    Fig 11: Removing Inner Pinion Bearing
    G02760946Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Using a brass drift, remove the pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the bearing cups.
    Fig 12: Removing Pinion Bearing Cups
    G02760947Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  18. Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.
    Fig 13: Removing Differential Bearings
    G02760948Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.