Differential Ring And Pinion: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential carrier. For additional information, refer to Differential Carrier .

Fig 1: Identifying 12 Differential Ring Gear Bolts

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Remove the ring gear bolts.

Fig 2: Driving Off Ring Gear

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CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage the ring bolt hole threads.

NOTE: The anti-lock speed sensor ring cannot be reused once removed.

Insert a punch in the bolt holes. Drive off the ring gear and, if necessary, the anti-lock speed sensor ring.

Fig 3: Assembling Special Tools

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Position the special tool.

Fig 4: Removing Differential Bearing

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Using 2 wrenches, remove the differential bearing.
- Repeat the procedure for the other differential bearing.

Fig 5: Pressing Differential Bearings On Differential Case Using Special Tool

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Using the special tool, install the new differential bearings on the differential case.

Fig 6: Index-Marking Driveshaft Flange To Pinion Flange

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To maintain driveline balance, index-mark the driveshaft flange and the pinion flange.

Fig 7: Locating Bolts On Driveshaft

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Remove the 4 bolts.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange

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CAUTION: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the flange.

CAUTION: It may be necessary to tap the driveshaft yoke with a plastic or rubber soft-faced hammer if a pry area is not on the driveshaft yoke.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange and support the driveshaft using mechanic's wire.

Fig 9: Holding Pinion Flange With Special Tool

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Use the special tool to prevent the flange from turning while removing the lock nut and washer.

Fig 10: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

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Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 11: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal

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Force up on the metal flange of the rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers to the seal flange and strike with a hammer until the rear axle drive pinion seal is removed.
- Remove the oil slinger and the outer pinion bearing.

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tool To Remove Drive Pinion Gear

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Install the special tool and, with a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion out of the front bearing cone and remove it through the rear of the housing.

Fig 13: Identifying Pinion Bearing Cups

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Using a brass drift, remove the pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the cups.