Axle Assembly: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Turn the air suspension switch OFF.
- Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
- Remove the rear disc brake calipers and position them aside. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .
- Remove the parking brake rear cable and conduit from the parking brake cable equalizer.
- Reroute the parking brake rear cable and conduit aside.
- Repeat for the other side.
- Disconnect the ABS sensor harness routing clips.
- Remove the rear stabilizer bar from the rear stabilizer bar link and bushing.
- Remove the rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts and the rear stabilizer bar brackets to disconnect the rear stabilizer bar.
- If equipped with rear air springs, remove the height sensor.
- Separate the Watts linkage from the rear axle housing.
- Remove the retainer nut from the bellcrank stud.
- Support the rear axle housing with a suitable jack.
- Remove the shock absorber lower nuts, then remove the shock absorbers from the retainer brackets.
- Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the LH and RH lower control arms.
- Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the LH and RH upper control arms.
- Unseat the air springs and lower the rear axle from the vehicle.
WARNING:
The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the LH side of the luggage compartment. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
WARNING:
If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
.
CAUTION:
Take care not to damage the threads on the bellcrank stud.
WARNING:
Use additional support straps to secure the rear axle to the jack.