Axle Shaft: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.

Fig 1: Locating Rear Brake Drum

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the rear brake drums. For additional information, refer to DRUM BRAKE .

Fig 2: Identifying Differential Thrust Plate And Lock Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the differential thrust plate.
- Remove and discard the differential thrust plate lock bolt.
- Remove the differential thrust plate.

Fig 3: Removing U-Washers

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.

Push the axle shafts inboard and remove the U-washers.

Fig 4: Removing Axle Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

Remove the 2 axle shafts.