Axle Shaft: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal.

Fig 1: Wheel Bearing Oil Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Once the differential pinion shaft has been removed, turning the differential case or an axle shaft can cause the differential pinion gears to fall out of the assembly. This can result in chipped or damaged components.

Remove the differential pinion shaft.
1. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and discard.
2. Remove the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 2: Differential Pinion Shaft & Lock Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

Install the axle shaft.

Fig 3: Axle Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the axle shaft U-washer groove.

Install the axle shaft U-washer.
1. Position the U-washer on the button end of the axle shaft.
2. Pull the axle shaft outward to seat the U-washer in the side gear.

Fig 4: U-Washer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the differential pinion shaft.
1. Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole.
2. Install the new differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
  - Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

Fig 5: Differential Pinion Shaft & Lock Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the differential housing cover. For additional information, refer to Differential Housing Cover .
Install the brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.