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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 >> Drive Pinion Flange >> Removal

Drive Pinion Flange: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to ACCELERATION CONTROL .
  2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
  3. CAUTION: Remove the brake drag during drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.
    CAUTION: Never allow the rear disc brake caliper to hang from the brake hose. Provide Suitable support.
  4. Remove the disc brake calipers. For addition information refer to DISC & DRUM .
  5. Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.
    Fig 1: Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange For Correct Alignment During Installation
    G02760805Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove and discard the four bolts.
    Fig 2: Removing Four Bolts
    G02760806Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. 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.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Rear Axle Pinion Flange
    G02760807Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. 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.
  9. Install a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench on the pinion nut and record the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.
    Fig 4: Identifying Torque Required To Maintain Rotation Of Pinion
    G02760808Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. CAUTION: After removal of the pinion nut, discard it. A new nut must be used for installation.
    Fig 5: Removing Pinion Nut
    G02760809Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the pinion nut.
  12. Mark the axle pinion flange in relation to the drive pinion stem to make sure of correct alignment during installation.
    Fig 6: Marking Axle Pinion Flange In Relation To Drive Pinion Stem
    G02760810Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
    Fig 7: Removing Pinion Flange
    G02760811Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.