Differential Bearings: 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.

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .

Remove the differential carrier assembly. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 1: Locating Index-Mark On Driveshaft Flange & Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.

Fig 2: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
- Using mechanic's wire, position the driveshaft aside.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Discard the nut after removal. Use a new nut during installation.

Fig 4: Holding Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the drive pinion nut.
Index-mark the pinion flange and the drive pinion stem for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 5: Aligning Pinion Flange With Drive Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a screwdriver, force up the rear axle drive pinion seal metal flange.

Fig 7: Removing Rear Axle Drive Pinion Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using gripping pliers and a hammer, remove the axle drive pinion seal.

Fig 8: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger.
Using the special tool and a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion assembly out of the outer pinion bearing and remove it through the rear of the differential housing.

Fig 9: Driving Pinion Assembly Out Of Axle Housing Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the outer pinion bearing.
Remove the drive pinion collapsible spacer and discard it.

Fig 10: Identifying Drive Pinion Collapsible Spacer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool and a suitable press, remove the inner pinion bearing.

Fig 11: Inner Pinion Bearing And Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a brass drift, remove the pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the bearing cups.

Fig 12: Identifying Pinion Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 13: Removing Differential Bearing Using Special Tools
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.