Rear Drive Axle and Differential
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln MKX and 2007 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The active torque coupling/rear axle is serviced as an assembly.
The differential housing cover uses a silicone sealant rather than a gasket.
Each halfshaft is held in the differential case by a driveshaft bearing retainer circlip that is located on the inner constant velocity (CV) joint stub shaft pilot bearing housing. When each halfshaft is installed, the driveshaft bearing retainer circlip engages a slot in the differential side gear.
The rear drive axle operates as follows:
- The rear drive axle pinion receives power from the engine through the transaxle, PTU, driveshaft and active torque coupling, and is always engaged.
- The pinion gear rotates the differential case, which is bolted to the differential case outer flange.
- Inside the differential case, 2 differential pinion gears are mounted on a differential pinion shaft that is pinned to the differential case.
- These differential pinion gears are engaged with the differential side gears, to which the halfshafts are splined.
- As the differential case turns, it rotates the halfshafts and rear wheels.
- When it is necessary for one wheel and halfshaft to rotate faster than the other, the faster turning differential side gear causes the differential pinion gears to roll on the slower turning differential side gear. This allows differential action between the 2 halfshafts.