Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The Escape Hybrid driveshaft is longer than the driveshaft in the Escape/Mariner and is not interchangeable.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Remove the ground strap bolt.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).

CAUTION: Do not reuse the CV joint bolts and washers. Install new bolts and washers or damage to the vehicle may occur.

Remove and discard the 6 front driveshaft-to-transfer case bolts and washers.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Index-mark the front driveshaft to the center bearing.

CAUTION: Do not reuse the bolts and cap straps for the center U-joint. Install new bolts and cap straps or damage to the vehicle may occur.

NOTE: There is a difference in the length of the head of the replacement cap strap bolts from the production bolts. The longer head pinion bolts can be used in either location.

Remove and discard the 4 universal joint cap strap bolts and 2 cap straps and remove the front driveshaft.
- To install, tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).
Index-mark the pinion and yoke to the driveshaft.

NOTE: Do not reuse the bolts for the rear U-joint flange. Install new bolts.

Remove and discard the 4 rear driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts.
- To install, tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
With the help of an assistant, remove the center bearing support nuts and the driveshaft.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

NOTE: If a driveshaft is installed and driveshaft vibration is encountered after installation, index the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.