Axle Shafts: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Lincoln LS, 2001 Lincoln LS, and 2000 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Vehicles with V8 engines use a larger diameter axle shaft than vehicles with V6 engines. Do not install the smaller diameter axle shafts designed for vehicles with V6 engines on vehicles with V8 engines or vise-versa.

Install a NEW axle circlip. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Identifying Axle Circlip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Differential Plug 205-294 (T89P-4850-B). See Figure .

CAUTION: Differential seal damage will occur if installing the axle shaft without the Differential Seal Protector (205-461) installed.

Install the Differential Seal Protector. See Fig 2 .
Position the axle shaft for installation. See Fig 3 .

Fig 2: Installing Differential Seal Protector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 3: Positioning Axle Shaft For Installation
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Seat the CV joint in the differential side gear. Slide the CV joint into the axle housing until the shaft splines are past the differential seal. Remove the Differential Seal Protector. Align the CV joint and side gear splines, and slide the joint into the gear until it seats. When seated, the axle circlip will lock the CV joint in the differential side gear. See Fig 4 .

Fig 4: Seating CV Joint Into Differential Side Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the axle circlip engagement by attempting to pull the inboard CV joint out of the differential side gear. If the circlip is not seated, push the CV joint inward until the circlip is fully engaged in the differential side gear. See Fig 5 .

Fig 5: Engaging Circlip Into Differential Side Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not over-angulate the outboard CV joint or damage the boot.

Fig 6: Positioning Knuckle Onto Lower Control Arm

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

While raising the knuckle, install the CV joint into the hub, then position the knuckle onto the lower control arm. See Fig 6 .

CAUTION: Position the suspension at curb ride height before tightening the bolt and nut.

Install the new lower suspension arm-to-knuckle nut and bolt. Final tighten bolt and nut to specification with vehicle at curb height. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the brake disc.
- For 2000-01 vehicles, see REAR ROTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in DISC - LS article in BRAKES.
- For 2002 vehicles, see REAR ROTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in DISC article in BRAKES.
Install the rear brake anti-lock sensor and tighten sensor bolt to specification.
Install the rear axle wheel hub nut. See Fig 7 .
Install the rear wheel and tire assembly. Tighten wheel lug nuts to specification.
Lower the vehicle.

Fig 7: Installing Rear Axle Wheel Hub Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.