Differential Ring And Pinion: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the drive pinion flange seal. For additional information, refer to DRIVE PINION FLANGE AND DRIVE PINION SEAL .
Remove the differential carrier. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Remove and discard the 10 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Removing Drive Pinion Flange Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Do not damage the differential ring gear bolt hole threads.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.

Fig 2: Locating Differential Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The differential flange and ring gear flange must be free of any old retaining compound material. Failure to clean the surfaces can result in ring gear runout concerns.

Clean all traces of the old retaining compound material from the differential flange.
- Use solvent and Scotch-Brite® pads to remove.
Using the 2 Jaw Puller and Step Plate, remove the 2 differential bearings.

Fig 3: Removing Differential Bearings Using Jaw Puller And Step Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the drive pinion shaft oil slinger and the outer drive pinion bearing.
Install the Drive Pinion Thread Protector. Using a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion assembly out of the axle housing.

Fig 4: Driving Pinion Assembly Out Of Axle Housing Using Soft-Faced Hammer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the drive pinion collapsible spacer.

Fig 5: Locating Drive Pinion Collapsible Spacer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a brass drift, remove the drive pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the drive pinion bearing cups.

Fig 6: Locating Drive Pinion Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.