Differential Fluid Seals: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle on a hoist.
Remove the front wheels. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
Remove both halfshafts. For additional information, refer to AXLE SHAFTS .

NOTE: The differential seal is a two-piece construction.

Using the special tool remove left differential seal.
- Install the special tool into the LH differential seal.
  
  Fig 1: Installing Special Tool Into LH Differential Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool remove the left differential seal.
1. Rotate the special tool.
2. Rotate the forcing screw while holding the front cover seal remover.
3. Remove the metal protector from the LH differential seal and remove protector from tool.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Left Differential Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool remove the rubber portion of the LH differential seal.
1. Install special tool into left differential seal and rotate it.
2. Rotate the forcing screw while holding the special tool.
3. Remove the rubber portion of the seal.
  
  Fig 3: Removing Rubber Portion Of LH Differential Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools remove the right differential seal.

Fig 4: Removing Right Differential Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool remove the right differential seal metal protector.
1. Rotate the special tool.
2. Rotate the forcing screw while holding the special tool.
3. Remove the metal protector of the seal.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Right Differential Seal Metal Protector
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the rubber portion of the seal.
1. Rotate the special tool.
2. Rotate the forcing screw while holding the special tool.
3. Remove the rubber portion of the seal.
  
  Fig 6: Removing Rubber Portion Of Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.