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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Taurus LX, 3.0 2, AX4N >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Drivelines & Axles >> Axle Shafts - Fwd >> Overhaul >> Axle Shafts >> Reassembly

Axle Shafts: Reassembly

  1. If components are cracked, broken, pitted or worn, replace complete assembly. Apply appropriate CV joint grease onto inner and outer races.
  2. To reassemble cage and balls, reverse disassembly procedure. Install boot onto axle shaft (if removed) and seat into groove. Securely tighten clamp, but DO NOT overtighten. Install NEW stop ring onto inboard CV joint, and ensure ring is properly seated.
  3. Install NEW circlip. Pack CV joint and boot with specified CV joint grease. Fill CV joint first, and place remaining amount into boot. To complete reassembly, reverse disassembly procedure.


  1. Install small clamp and boot (if removed). Ensure boot is seated into groove on axle shaft, and securely tighten clamp. DO NOT overtighten. Install stop ring onto axle shaft beyond its groove, allowing NEW circlip to be installed.
  2. Slide tripod assembly onto axle shaft with chamfered side toward stop ring. Slide tripod/axle shaft assembly into housing. Position boot over housing. Extend or compress axle shaft to achieve specified length of CV joint. Measure axle length between appropriate locations. See Fig 1 or Fig 2 .
  3. Ensure axle length is within specification. Ensure boot is properly seated in groove. Wipe excess grease from external surfaces. Remove trapped air by lifting boot off housing with a dull screwdriver. Ensure axle shaft length is as specified and boot is properly seated.
  4. Install boot clamp. Tighten clamp, but DO NOT overtighten. Install low profile type clamps. See Fig 3. To complete reassembly, reverse disassembly procedure.
Fig 1: Assembled Axle Shaft Length (With AX4N Transaxle)
G97G03718Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig 2: Assembled Axle Shaft Length (With AX4S Transaxle)
G97I03719Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig 3: Installing Low Profile Boot Clamp
G90F06033Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.