Drive Pinion: Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty and 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Initial Assembly

Using a suitable driver, press the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion.

Fig 1: Installing Inner Pinion Bearing Onto Pinion
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Press the inner and outer pinion bearing cups into the carrier until seated.
- Use a 0.0381 mm (0.0015 inch) feeler gauge to verify the bearing cups have completely seated in the bearing bores.
- Lubricate the bearing cups and cone.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Outer And Inner Pinion Bearing Cups
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Seat the outer pinion bearing on the pinion.
1. Seat the inner pinion bearing into the cup by positioning a 152.4 x 152.4 x 152.4 mm (6x6x6 inch) block of wood under the pinion.
2. Place the original pinion preload spacer onto the pinion.
3. Place the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.
4. Using a suitable press, seat the outer bearing on the pinion.
  
  Fig 3: Seating Outer Pinion Bearing On Pinion
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not install the pinion seal at this time.

Install the pinion flange.
Install the hex nut.
- Using a suitable torque multiplier, tighten to 1128 Nm(832 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Hex Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Measuring pinion bearing preload torque

Measure the torque to rotate.
- Take torque measurements every 4th revolution.
- Proceed to next step if the bearing preload torque is not within the specifications. Proceed to final assembly if the bearing preload torque is within the specifications.
  
  Fig 5: Measuring Pinion Bearing Preload Torque
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Pinion bearing preload adjustment

NOTE: Also refer to the following illustration.

Adjust the pinion bearing preload by installing a new pinion bearing preload spacer.
- To increase the preload, install a thinner spacer. To decrease the preload, install a thicker spacer.
- The pinion bearing preload spacers are available in sizes from 7.26 to 8.00 mm (0.286 to 0.315 inch).
- Always measure the new spacer before installing it.
- On a flat surface, sand the next thicker size spacer with emery cloth to the required thickness to obtain a closer adjustment. Thoroughly wash the spacer to remove the emery cuttings before installation.
- A 0.0254 mm (0.001 inch) change in the spacer thickness will change the torque rate approximately 3.3894 Nm (30 lb-in).
- Repeat Measuring pinion bearing preload torque and Pinion bearing preload adjustment in this procedure until the rotational torque is within specifications.
  
  Fig 6: Installing Pinion Bearing Preload Spacer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 7: Measuring Pinion Bearing Preload Torque
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable torque multiplier, remove the hex nut.

Fig 8: Locating Hex Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Hammering on the pinion flange will close in the bearing bores and misalign the flange lugs. This will result in premature failure of the journal needle bearings. Serious damage will also occur internally to the differential ring gear and pinion or pinion bearings by hammering on external parts. Remove and install the pinion flange using only the procedures.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tool And Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
Using a suitable tool, install the pinion seal.
- A rotational torque of 1.6947-5.0841 Nm (15-45 lb-in) is acceptable with the pinion seal installed.
Install the pinion flange.
Apply Stud and Bearing Mount to the pinion threads, and install a new hex nut.
- Using a suitable torque multiplier, tighten to 1128 Nm(832 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 10: Locating Hex Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Assemble the carrier. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CASE AND RING GEAR .