Final Drive Carrier and Differential Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the differential for wear or damage. Install new components as required.

CAUTION: Do not disassemble the planet carrier.

NOTE: If the measurement exceeds specification, install a new complete final drive carrier. If the measurement is within specification, continue with the diagnostic procedure.

Fig 1: Identifying Final Drive Planet Gear End Play With Feeler Gauge

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Measure the final drive planet gear end play with a feeler gauge.

NOTE: Do not remove the final drive pinion shaft retaining ring.

Remove the differential pinion shaft.
1. Remove the pinion shaft roll pin.
2. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Differential Pinion Shaft & Pinion Shaft Roll Pin
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the pinion gears and thrust washers.
- Turn the differential pinion gears 90 degrees and remove.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Pinion Gears & Thrust Washers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential side gears and differential side gear thrust washers.

Fig 4: Identifying Differential Side Gears & Differential Side Gear Thrust Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean all parts thoroughly in clean solvent and blow dry with moisture-free regulated compressed air.
Inspect the differential parts for damage and wear.
- Gear teeth
- Thrust washer surface
- Thrust bearing surface
- Pinion shaft
Inspect the final drive planet and carrier.
1. Pinion gear teeth
2. Thrust bearing surfaces
3. Bushing surfaces
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Final Drive Planet & Carrier
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.