Axle Shaft - Semi-Floating Axle: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise the vehicle on a hoist or raise the rear end of the vehicle with a jack. Install safety stands under the frame rails and lower the jack or hoist enough to allow the rear axle to drop into the rebound position for working clearance. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
- Remove the rear wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.
- Remove the differential housing cover. For additional information, refer to Differential Housing Cover .
- Remove the lock screw.
- Remove the differential pinion shaft.
- The pinion shaft is a slip-fit design and is removable by hand.
- Push the flanged end of the axle shaft toward the center of the axle and remove the U-washer.
- Remove the axle shaft.
- Install the differential pinion shaft and the old lock screw in the differential case.
NOTE:
The differential assembly is equipped with a differential pinion shaft lock screw with torque prevailing threads. The torque prevailing differential pinion shaft lock screw has a 12-point drive head. This type of screw is reusable for no more than 4 installations. When in doubt about the number of installations of a torque prevailing differential pinion shaft lock screw, discard it and install a new screw.
NOTE:
Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal when removing the axle shaft.