Driveshaft Center Bearing - Rear, Two-Piece: Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford RV Cutaway, 2005 Ford Econoline, 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Press the dust slinger on the coupling shaft.

Fig 1: Pressing Dust Slinger On Coupling Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Install the bearing on the coupling shaft with the turned-in lip toward the dust slinger.

NOTE: Install the center bearing bracket with the deep flange facing rearward.

Install the center bearing support on the coupling shaft.
1. Install the rubber insulator in the driveshaft center bearing bracket.
2. Using a suitable press, install the center bearing assembly on the coupling shaft.
  
  Fig 2: Installing Center Bearing Assembly On Coupling Shaft
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the center bearing retainer.

Fig 3: Installing Center Bearing Retainer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the slip-yoke boot clamp on the coupling shaft stub shaft.
Slide the small opening end of the slip-yoke boot on the coupling shaft stub shaft, as far as it will travel.

Fig 4: Identifying Slip-Yoke Boot And Driveshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, crimp the slip-yoke boot clamp.

Fig 5: Identifying Crimp Slip-Yoke Boot Clamp
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the slip-yoke on the coupling shaft.
1. Pull the slip-yoke boot toward the coupling shaft. Lubricate the coupling shaft splines with approximately 10 grams (0.24 oz) of lubricant.
2. Position the slip-yoke boot clamp.
3. Align the blind splines, and install the driveshaft slip-yoke on the coupling shaft.
  
  Fig 6: Aligning Blind Splines
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Set the driveshaft assembled length to specification.
1. Remove any excess grease from the slip-yoke boot and driveshaft slip-yoke surfaces.
2. Position the slip-yoke boot over the slip-yoke boot groove.
3. Set the driveshaft assembled length to specification.
  - Measure from the stub shaft weld to the U-joint centerline.
4. Bleed the air from the slip-yoke boot.
  
  Fig 7: Measuring From Stub Shaft Weld To U-Joint Centerline
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, crimp the large slip-yoke boot clamp.

Fig 8: Removing Crimp Large Slip-Yoke Boot Clamp
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT - REAR TWO-PIECE .

NOTE: If a vibration exists, insert 1.59 mm (1/16 inch) shims, as necessary, between the driveshaft center bearing bracket and support plate (on the bolt ends of the driveshaft center bearing bracket) to reduce compression of the rubber insulator.

Road test the vehicle.