Drive Pinion Flange and Drive Pinion Seal: Removal

Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .
Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies. .

CAUTION: Remove the rear brake calipers to prevent drag during the drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.

CAUTION: Do not allow the calipers to hang from the brake hoses.

Remove the rear brake caliper and support bracket from the knuckle as an assembly. Wire the caliper and support bracket assembly out of the way. For additional information, refer to DISC .

CAUTION: Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange (4851) to maintain initial balance during installation.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

Fig 1: Removing Driveshaft/Pinion Flange Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Centering Socket Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect and position the driveshaft out of the way. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
Install an N.m (inch/pound) torque wrench on the nut and record the torque necessary to maintain rotation of the drive pinion gear through several revolutions.

Fig 3: Measuring Rotational Torque
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: After removing the nut, discard it. Use a new nut for installation.

Fig 4: Removing Flange Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the nut.
Index-mark the pinion flange and drive pinion gear stem to maintain initial balance during installation.

Fig 5: Index-Marking Pinion Flange And Drive Pinion Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.