Drive Pinion: Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty and 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the hex nut.
- Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.
- Remove the pinion seal.
- Press the pinion through the outer pinion bearing, and remove the pinion.
- Remove the pinion preload spacer.
- Measure and record the spacer thickness. Set the spacer aside for use in assembly.
- If reusing the gear set, remove the inner pinion bearing with a suitable puller.
- If new pinion bearings are being installed, remove the outer and inner pinion bearing cups.
- Clean and dry the components as necessary.
- Inspect the pinion flange for grooves in the sealing surface caused by contamination.
- If grooves are detectable with a fingernail, repair the flange with a CR approved sleeve or install a new flange.
CAUTION:
Hammering on the pinion flange will close in the bearing bores and misalign the flange lugs. This will result in premature failure of the journal needle bearings. Serious damage will also occur internally to the differential ring gear and pinion set or pinion bearings by hammering on external parts. Remove and install the pinion flange using only the procedures.
CAUTION:
Position a block of wood under the pinion to avoid damage to the gear teeth.
NOTE:
The outer bearing is press fit.
CAUTION:
Alkaline cleaning solutions will damage machine surfaces. Use only emulsion cleaners or petroleum based cleaning solvent.
CAUTION:
Use soft, clean, lintless towels to dry the components.
CAUTION:
Never spin-dry bearings with compressed air. This will damage the mating surfaces due to a lack of lubrication.
CAUTION:
After drying, lightly coat the parts with rust inhibitor or clean lubricant to prevent damage from corrosion. Wrap all parts that are going to be in storage for a prolonged period in wax paper.