Drive Pinion Seal: Installation

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

Using a suitable driver, install the pinion seal.
- Lightly coat the pinion seal lip with lubricant.
  
  Fig 1: Driving Pinion Seal Into Housing Using Special Tool

NOTE: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools. If necessary, use a plastic hammer to tap on a tight fitting flange.

NOTE: Align the index marks.

Fig 2: Identifying Pinion Flange

Lightly coat the flange splines and seal mating area with lubricant, then install the flange and a new washer and pinion nut.

NOTE: Never back off the pinion nut to reduce preload. If preload reduction is necessary, install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut.

Tighten the nut.
- Use the special tool to prevent the flange from turning while tightening the nut. Remove the special tool when taking pinion bearing torque preload readings.
- Take frequent pinion bearing torque preload readings.
- The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 lb-in) more than the initial reading taken during removal.
  
  Fig 3: Holding Pinion Flange With Special Tool
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Pinion Bearing Torque Preload

NOTE: Align the index-marks on the front driveshaft and the front axle flange to maintain driveline balance.

Connect the front driveshaft to the front axle flange.
1. Remove the tape from the bearing cups.
2. Connect the front driveshaft to the front axle flange.
3. Install the 2 new retainers and 4 new bolts.
  - Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 5: Identifying Driveshaft Bolts
Install the LH and RH brake calipers and the brake caliper bolts.
- On F-250, F-350, tighten to 76 Nm (56 lb-ft).
- On F-450, F-550, tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
Install the front tires and wheels. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .