Axle Shaft: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal.

Fig 1: Lubricating Lip Of Wheel Bearing Oil Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Once the differential pinion shaft has been removed, turning the differential case or an axle shaft can cause the differential pinion gears to fall out of the assembly. This can result in chipped or damaged components.

Remove the differential pinion shaft.
1. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and discard.
2. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

Fig 3: Installing Axle Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the axle shaft.

CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the axle shaft U-washer groove.

Install the axle shaft U-washer.
1. Position the U-washer on the button end of the axle shaft.
2. Pull the axle shaft outward to seat the U-washer in the side gear.
  
  Fig 4: Installing Axle Shaft U-Washer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the differential pinion shaft.
1. Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole.
2. Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
  - Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 5: Installing Differential Pinion Shaft
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the differential housing cover. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING COVER .
Install the rear brake anti-lock sensor.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .

Install the rear brake caliper and the brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .