Differential Ring And Pinion: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Ford Pickup and 2010 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 .
Remove and discard the 12 ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Locating Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

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

Fig 2: Driving Off Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert a punch in the bolt holes. Drive off the ring gear and, if necessary, the anti-lock speed sensor ring.
Position the Differential Carrier Bearing Step Plate, Differential Carrier Bearing Collets, Differential Carrier Bearing Retaining Ring, Tube Remover and Bearing Tube Removal Screw.

Fig 3: Removing Differential Bearings Using Special Tools
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using 2 wrenches, remove the differential bearing.
- Repeat the procedure for the other differential bearing.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Differential Bearing Using Wrenches
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Differential Carrier Bearing Installer, install the new differential bearings on the differential case.

Fig 5: Installing Differential Bearings Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To maintain driveline balance, index-mark the driveshaft flange and the pinion flange.

Fig 6: Locating Index-Mark On Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 4 bolts.

Fig 7: Locating Driveshaft Flange Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

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

Fig 8: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange From Pinion Flange Using Suitable Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool as shown in illustration, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange and support the driveshaft using mechanic's wire.
Using the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture to prevent the flange from turning, remove the pinion nut and washer.
- Discard the pinion nut.
  
  Fig 9: Holding Pinion Flange Using Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the 2 Jaw Puller, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 10: Removing Pinion Flange Using Jaw Puller
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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 11: Removing Rear Axle Drive Pinion Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Drive Pinion Thread Protector 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 12: Removing Differential Pinion
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a brass drift, remove the pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the cups.

Fig 13: Locating Pinion Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.