Drive Pinion Seal: Installation

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.

Using a suitable driver, install the pinion seal.
- Lightly coat the pinion seal lip with lubricant.
  
  Fig 1: Installing Pinion Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools. If necessary, use a plastic hammer to tap on a tight fitting flange.

NOTE: Align the index marks.

Lightly coat the flange splines and seal mating area with lubricant, then install the flange and a new washer and pinion nut.

Fig 2: Locating Flange With Washer And Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Never back off the pinion nut to reduce preload. If preload reduction is necessary, install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut.

Tighten the nut.
- Use the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture to prevent the flange from turning while tightening the nut. Remove the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture when taking pinion bearing torque preload readings.
- Take frequent pinion bearing torque preload readings.
- The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 lb-in) more than the initial reading taken during removal.
  
  Fig 3: Locating Pinion Nut And Washer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Pinion Bearing Torque Preload
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Align the index-marks on the front driveshaft and the front axle flange to maintain driveline balance.

Connect the front driveshaft to the front axle flange.
1. Remove the tape from the bearing cups.
2. Connect the front driveshaft to the front axle flange.
3. Install the 2 new retainers and 4 new bolts.
  - Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 5: Identifying Front Drive Shaft And Front Axle Flange
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the LH and RH brake calipers and the brake caliper bolts.
- On F-250, F-350, tighten to 76 Nm (56 lb-ft).
- On F-450, F-550, tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
Install the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .