Pinion Flange Runout Check - Circular

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Pinion bearing preload must be reset if the pinion nut has been loosened or removed for pinion flange reindexing or replacement or damage to the component may occur.

Raise the vehicle on a twin-post hoist that supports the rear axle.
Remove the driveshaft. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
Check the pinion flange for damage.

Position the Driveshaft Clamp Plate and Drive Pinion Flange Runout Gauge on the pinion flange.

Fig 1: Identifying Drive Pinion Flange Runout Gauge Related Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item	Part Number	Description
1	-	Pilot (part of 205-319) (T92L-4851-B)
2	354845	Pinion nut
3	205-319	Gauge, Drive Pinion Flange Runout (T92L-4851-B)
4	-	Bolts (2 required) (part of 205-320) (T92L-4851-C)
5	205-320	Plate, Driveshaft Clamp (T92L-4851-C)
6	4851	Pinion flange

Position the Driveshaft Clamp Plate and Drive Pinion Flange Runout Gauge onto the pinion flange.

Fig 2: Positioning Driveshaft Clamp Plate Onto Drive Pinion Flange Runout Gauge
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Align the holes on the clamp plate with the holes in the pinion flange and install the bolts. Snug the bolts evenly.

Fig 3: Locating Clamp Plate Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture as shown in illustration. Turn the Dial Indicator Gauge, and locate and mark the high spot on the pinion flange with yellow paint.

Fig 4: Positioning Dial Indicator Gauge
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If the flange runout exceeds 0.25 mm (0.010 in), remove the pinion flange, reindex the flange one-half turn on the pinion, and reinstall it. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL for the flange removal and installation procedures.
Check the runout again. If necessary, rotate the flange until an acceptable runout is obtained. If the flange runout is still more than 0.25 mm (0.010 in), install a new pinion flange.

Fig 5: Checking Pinion Flange Runout
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If excessive runout is still evident after replacement of the pinion flange, install a new ring and pinion. Repeat the above checks until the runout is within specifications.
Install the driveshaft. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .