Drive Pinion Seal: Removal

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.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle.
Index-mark the front driveshaft and the front axle flange to maintain driveline balance.

Fig 1: Aligning Mark Front Driveshaft And Front Axle Flange Maintain Driveline Balance
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the front driveshaft from the front axle flange, and position it aside.
1. Remove and discard the four bolts and two retainers.
2. Disconnect the front driveshaft from the front axle flange.
3. Tape the bearing cups to the spider to prevent them from falling off the spider.
4. Position the driveshaft aside.
  
  Fig 2: Positioning Driveshaft Aside
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Measure the pinion bearing torque preload. Record the reading.
- Rotate the pinion with a Nm (lb-in) torque wrench. Record the torque necessary to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Pinion Bearing Torque Preload
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the nut and washer.
- Use the special tool to prevent the flange from turning while removing the nut.
  
  Fig 4: Removing And Discard Nut And Washer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Index-mark the flange and the pinion shaft.

Fig 5: Aligning Mark Flange And Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the flange.
Using the special tools, remove the pinion seal. Discard the seal.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean and inspect the following:
- The seal mounting surface.
- The flange lugs and the flange end that contacts the bearing cone.
  - Verify that the flange nut counterbore and the seal contact surfaces are smooth and free of nicks.