Axle Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

Item	Specification
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant XY-75W90-QLS	DANA ES-PM-M2013 and GL-5

All vehicles

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical components because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. Install new components with the same component number or an equivalent component if installation is necessary. Do not use an installation component of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these components.

Release the parking brake cable tension. For additional information, refer to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION .
Remove the rear wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
If equipped, remove the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to REAR SUSPENSION .
Remove the 4 brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
- To install (F-250/350), tighten the new bolts to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).
- To install (F-450/550), tighten the new bolts to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Brake Caliper Anchor Plate Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang by the brake hose or damage to the brake hose can occur.

Position the 2 brake caliper and anchor plate assemblies aside.
- Support the caliper and anchor plate assemblies using mechanic's wire.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Brake Caliper And Anchor Plate Assemblies
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the parking brake cables from the brackets.

Fig 3: Locating Parking Brake Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the parking brake cables 90 degrees and disconnect them from the parking brake actuating levers.

Fig 4: Locating Parking Brake Actuating Lever
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The LH parking brake cable and conduit must be routed to the outside of the leaf spring assembly.

Remove the LH parking brake cable bracket-to-U-bolt plate bolt.
- To install, tighten to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

Fig 5: Locating Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the parking brake cable bracket-to-differential housing bolts.
- To install, tighten to 21 Nm (15 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Parking Brake Cable Bracket-To-Differential Housing Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove the 2 brake hose bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
  
  Fig 7: Locating Brake Hose Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Unclip the brake tube from the RH axle retaining clip.

Fig 8: Locating RH Axle Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the RH parking brake cable wire from bracket-to-shock absorber bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
  
  Fig 9: Locating Bracket-To-Shock Absorber Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vent hose from the brake hose junction block.

Fig 10: Locating Vent Hose On Brake Hose Junction Block
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake hose junction block bolt.
- To install, tighten to 17 Nm (150 lb-in).
  
  Fig 11: Locating Brake Hose Junction Block Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Always secure transmission, transfer case, and axle assemblies to their service jack. Avoid obstructions while lowering and raising the jack. Improperly secured assemblies or contact with obstructions may cause the assembly to fall off the jack, which could result in serious personal injury.

Use a suitable transmission jack to support the axle.

Fig 12: Supporting Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Remove and discard the 2 lower shock absorber nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts and bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
F-250/350 vehicles
NOTE: Final tightening of the U-bolt nuts must be done with the suspension at curb height or incorrect clamp load may occur.

Remove and discard the 8 U-bolt nuts and the 4 U-bolts.
- To install, with the suspension at curb height, tighten the new nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.
  - Stage 1: Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
  - Stage 2: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  - Stage 3: Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  - Stage 4: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 13: Locating U-Bolt Nuts
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
F-450/550 vehicles
NOTE: Final tightening of the U-bolt nuts must be done with the suspension at curb height or incorrect clamp load may occur.

Remove and discard the 8 U-bolt nuts and the 4 U-bolts.
- To install, with the suspension at curb height, tighten the new nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.
  - Stage 1: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  - Stage 2: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
  - Stage 3: Tighten to 300 Nm (222 lb-ft).
  - Stage 4: Tighten to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 14: Locating U-Bolt Nuts
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
All vehicles
Lower and remove the axle assembly.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Make sure the axle is filled to specification.