Differential Bearings: Removal

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.

Remove the differential carrier assembly. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 1: Identifying Index-Mark Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.

Fig 2: Identifying Index-Mark To Driveshaft And Flange Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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 in Fig 3 with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.

Using a suitable tool as shown in Fig 3, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
- Using mechanic's wire, position the driveshaft aside.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Discard the nut after removal. Use a new nut during installation.

Fig 4: Holding Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the drive pinion nut.
Index-mark the pinion flange and the drive pinion stem for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 5: Identifying Pinion Flange And Drive Pinion Shaft Alignment Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a screwdriver, force up the rear axle drive pinion seal metal flange.

Fig 7: Removing Force Up Rear Axle Drive Pinion Seal Metal Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using gripping pliers and a hammer, remove the axle drive pinion seal.

Fig 8: Removing Drive Pinion Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger.
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: Removing Drive Pinion Shaft Oil Slinger And Outer Drive Pinion Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the outer pinion bearing.
Remove the drive pinion collapsible spacer and discard it.

Fig 10: Identifying Drive Pinion Collapsible Spacer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool and a suitable press, remove the inner pinion bearing.

Fig 11: Removing Inner Pinion Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a brass drift, remove the pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the bearing cups.

Fig 12: Identifying Pinion Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 13: Removing Differential Bearings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.