Disassembly and Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Do not clamp the driveshaft in the jaws of a vice or a similar holding fixture.

Place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench.
On reverse slip driveshafts, while using a suitable flange holding tool to prevent shaft rotation, remove the flange retaining nut.

Fig 1: Removing Flange Retaining Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
On reverse slip driveshafts, remove the flange.

Fig 2: Removing Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rubber insulator surrounding the bearing.
1. Remove the driveshaft center bearing retainer.
2. Remove the driveshaft center bearing bracket.
3. Remove the rubber insulator.
  
  Fig 3: Removing Driveshaft Center Bearing Retainer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable press, remove the bearing from the driveshaft.

Fig 4: Removing Bearing From Driveshaft Using Suitable Press
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable press, remove the dust slinger.

Fig 5: Removing Dust Slinger Using Suitable Press
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Clean grease deposits, dirt and rust from the stub shaft.

NOTE: Inspect the stub shaft splines for nicks, gouges, or burrs. Remove with a file or emery cloth.

NOTE: The driveshaft center bearing bracket must be installed with the deep flange rearward.

To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.
- Lubricate the stub shaft spline with grease.
  
  Fig 6: Lubricating Stub Shaft Spline With Grease
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.