Removal (Three-Piece)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup, 2002 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2002 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2002 Ford Excursion, and 2002 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Index mark the drive shaft at the rear axle pinion flange. See Figure. Remove and discard the "U" joint retainer bolts. Remove and discard the "U" joint retainers. Disconnect the drive shaft from the rear axle pinion flange. Using mechanics wire, support the drive shaft.
- Disconnect the drive shaft from the coupling shaft. See Fig 1. Remove and discard the bolts. Remove the "U" joint retainers. Using mechanics wire, support the middle drive shaft. Remove the second center bearing support bolts. See Figure. Remove the rear drive shaft assembly.
- For vehicles equipped with a M/T, remove and discard the drive shaft flange-to-transmission/transfer case pinion flange bolts. Remove the center bearing support bolts. See Fig 2. Remove the front half of three-piece drive shaft. On vehicles equipped with 2WD and A/T, lower the drive shaft and slide it rearward off the transmission output shaft.
- Plug the extension housing to prevent fluid loss. Clean grease deposits, dirt and rust from the drive shaft yoke areas and all drive shaft components. Wipe the bearing and rubber insulator of the drive shaft center bearing. DO NOT immerse in solvent.
- Inspect the "U" joint slip yoke boot for rips or holes. Replace slip yoke boot if necessary. Inspect the drive shaft center bearing support for wear or rough action. If roughness or wear is evident, install a NEW drive shaft center bearing support. Inspect center bearing rubber insulator for evidence of hardening, cracking or deterioration. Install a NEW insulator if necessary.
NOTE:
Index mark the drive shaft-to-transmission flange (M/T) or output shaft-to-slip yoke (A/T).