Drive Pinion: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Position the special tools and the inner and outer pinion bearing cups in their respective housing bores.
- After placing the inner outer bearing cups in their bores, place the special tool (inner) on the inner pinion bearing cup.
- Place the special tool (outer) on the outer pinion bearing cup.
- Install the special tool.
- Tighten the special tool to seat the pinion bearing cups into their bores.
- Check that the cups have seated correctly in their bores.
- Assemble and position the following in the differential housing.
- Position the special tool.
- Position the special tool.
- Position the inner pinion bearing.
- Position the special tool.
- Position the special tool.
- Position the outer pinion bearing.
- Thread on the special tool.
- Using a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench, tighten the Handle to specification.MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
Item Description 1 Screw 2 Alignment Adapter 3 Inner Pinion Bearing 4 Drive Pinion Depth Gauge/Aligner 5 Gauge Block 6 Outer Pinion Bearing 7 Drive Pinion Depth Gauge/Aligner Handle - Rotate the Gauge Block several half turns to make sure the pinion bearings are correctly seated and position the Gauge Block.
- Install the special tool.
- Position the special tool.
- Install the bearing caps.
- Install the four bolts.
- Measure between the Gauge Block and the Gauge Tube. Record the measurement. Refer to the PINION RING GEAR VARIATION NUMBER for shim selection information.
- Install the correct thickness drive pinion position shim, and the oil slinger, if so equipped, on the pinion.
- Using the special tools and a suitable press, install the inner pinion bearing.
- Inspect the drive pinion bearing preload shims for damage. Discard them if necessary. New shims are available in the thickness shown in the following chart.
- Assemble the drive pinion preload shims onto the pinion and install the pinion into the differential housing.
- Using the special tool, install the pinion flange.
- Install the old washer and pinion locknut.
- Using a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench, rotate the pinion. The torque must read as specified.
- To increase the bearing preload, remove drive pinion bearing preload shims. To decrease the preload, add pinion bearing preload shims.
- With the drive pinion bearings at the correct preload as determined in this procedure, remove and discard the pinion locknut and washer.
- Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
- Coat the pinion seal rubber lips with the specified fill lubricant.
- Using a suitable driver, install the differential pinion oil seal.
- Coat the inner splines of the pinion flange with lubricant.
- Using the special tool, install the pinion flange.
- Install the new washer and locknut. Tighten to specification.
- Install the differential case and ring gear. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL CASE .
- Install the rear driveshaft. Refer to DRIVESHAFT .
CAUTION:
Always install new pinion bearings when installing new bearing cups.
NOTE:
If the feeler gauge can fit between a cup and the bottom of its bore at any point around the cup, remove and reseat the cup.
CAUTION:
If any of the gauge surfaces have nicks in them, remove the high spots with a medium India oilstone to prevent erroneous readings.
NOTE:
Apply a light oil film on the pinion bearings before assembling the tools.
NOTE:
This step simulates pinion bearing preload.
NOTE:
Offset the Gauge Block to obtain an accurate reading.
NOTE:
The service tools designed for a nominal pinion with 0 etch.
NOTE:
Use a feeler gauge or clean, flat drive position shims as a measuring device.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to force the feeler gauge or shims between the Gauge Block and the Gauge Tube. A slight drag indicates a correct selection.
CAUTION:
Follow the drive pinion bearing preload shim and drive pinion position shim assembly as directed or unit failure can result.
NOTE:
Always use the same new inner pinion bearing installed when taking the measurement for drive pinion position shim selection.
NOTE:
Use the thickness of the old drive pinion bearing preload shims as a starting point for setting pinion bearing preload.
NOTE:
Do not install the pinion oil seal at this time.
CAUTION:
Always use a new washer and locknut.