Differential Ring And Pinion: Removal

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.

Remove the differential carrier. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Remove and discard the 12 ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Locating Differential Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Care should be taken not to damage the ring gear bolt hole threads.

Insert a punch in the bolt holes. Drive off the ring gear.

Fig 2: Removing Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Differential Carrier Bearing Step Plate, Differential Carrier Bearing Collets, Differential Carrier Bearing Retaining Ring, Bearing Tube Remover and Bearing Tube Removal Screw, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 3: Removing Differential Bearings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Differential Carrier Bearing Installer, install the new differential bearings on the differential case.

Fig 4: Installing Differential Bearings Using Differential Carrier Bearing Installer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To maintain driveline balance, index-mark the driveshaft flange and the pinion flange.

Fig 5: Locating Index-Mark On Driveshaft Flange Yoke And Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 4 bolts.

Fig 6: Locating Flange Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown below, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the flange.

NOTE: It may be necessary to tap the driveshaft yoke with a plastic or rubber soft-faced hammer if a pry area is not present on the driveshaft yoke.

Using a suitable tool as shown below, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange and support the driveshaft using mechanic's wire.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange From Pinion Flange Using Suitable Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture to prevent the flange from turning, remove the pinion nut and washer.
- Discard the pinion nut.
  
  Fig 8: Holding Pinion Flange Using Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the 2 Jaw Puller, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Removing Pinion Flange Using Jaw Puller
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Force up on the metal flange of the rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers to the seal flange and strike with a hammer until the rear axle drive pinion seal is removed.
- Remove the oil slinger and the outer pinion bearing.
  
  Fig 10: Removing Rear Axle Drive Pinion Oil Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Drive Pinion Thread Protector and, with a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion out of the front bearing cone and remove it through the rear of the housing.

Fig 11: Identifying Drive Pinion Thread Protector 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 cups.

Fig 12: Locating Pinion Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.