Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty and 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the parking brake.

Fig 1: Setting Parking Brake
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Chock the front wheels.

Fig 2: Chocking Front Wheels
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen, but do not remove, the 8 rear wheel nuts.
- To install, tighten to 224 Nm (165 lb-ft).
Fig 3: Tightening Rear Wheel Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Raise and support the rear of the vehicle high enough so that it will clear the axle assembly when removing it.

Fig 4: Supporting Rear Of Vehicle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable wheel dolly, remove the rear wheels.

Fig 5: Removing Rear Wheels Using Wheel Dolly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the parking brake cable tension, and disconnect the cables at the equalizer and the anchor plate. For additional information, refer to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION article.

Fig 6: Releasing Parking Brake Cable Tension
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the frame anchors and position the parking brake cables aside.

Fig 7: Identifying Frame Anchors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the rear anti-lock brake sensor electrical connector. Release the harness clips and position the harness aside.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Rear Anti-Lock Brake Sensor Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark and remove the 4 driveshaft bolts. Disconnect the driveshaft, and position aside.
- To install, tighten the yoke bolts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
- To install, tighten the flange bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
Fig 9: Identifying Driveshaft Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 stabilizer bar nuts from both lower ends of the stabilizer bar links. Disconnect the stabilizer bar at the sway links.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
Fig 10: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 shock absorber nuts and 2 bolts. Disconnect both shock absorbers from the axle.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 11: Identifying Shock Absorber Nuts And Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the hydraulic brake hose and axle vent hose at the crossmember. Plug the brake hose and brake tube, and position the hoses aside.

Fig 12: Identifying Hydraulic Brake Hose And Axle Vent Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Support the axle with a suitable floor jack.

Fig 13: Supporting Axle With Floor Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Mark the front of each spring seat cap for correct orientation during installation.

Fig 14: Identifying U-Bolt Nuts And Spring Seat Caps Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 8 U-bolt nuts, the 2 spring seat caps and the 4 U-bolts.
- To install, tighten to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).

WARNING: Secure the assembly to the jack. Avoid any obstructions while lowering and raising the jack. Contact with obstructions may cause the assembly to fall off the jack, which may result in serious personal injury.

Fig 15: Securing Assembly To Jack

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Carefully lower the axle and remove it from the vehicle.