Drive Pinion Seal: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Using a suitable driver, install the pinion seal.
- Lightly coat the pinion seal lip with lubricant.
  
  Fig 1: Installing Pinion Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools. If necessary, use a plastic hammer to tap on a tight fitting flange.

NOTE: Align the index marks.

Fig 2: Installing Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Lightly coat the flange splines and seal mating area with lubricant, then install the flange with a new washer and nut.

CAUTION: Never back off the pinion nut to reduce preload. If preload reduction is necessary, install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut.

Tighten the nut.
- Use the special tool to prevent the flange from turning while tightening the nut. Remove the special tool when taking pinion bearing torque preload readings.
- Take frequent pinion bearing torque preload readings.
- The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 lb-in) more than the initial reading taken during removal.
  
  Fig 3: Tightening Flange Nut Using Special Tool
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Pinion Bearing Torque Preload
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the front driveshaft to the front axle flange.
1. Remove the tape from the bearing cups.
2. Connect the front driveshaft to the front axle flange.
3. Install the two new retainers and four new bolts.
  
  Fig 5: Connecting Front Driveshaft To Front Axle Flange
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check and, if necessary, fill the axle with the specified lubricant. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .