Differential Housing Cover: Installation

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: Remove all of the silicone gasket and make sure the surfaces are free of oil before applying the new silicone gasket.

Fig 1: Cleaning Gasket Mating Surface Of Axle And Differential Housing Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Clean the gasket mating surface of the axle and the differential housing cover.
Apply a new, continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover as shown in illustration.

Fig 2: Identifying Bead Of Sealant Applying Dimension On Differential Housing Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

Install the differential housing cover and the 9 differential housing cover bolts and the 3 differential housing cover stud bolts.
- Tighten to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Locating Differential Housing Cover Bolts And Differential Housing Cover Stud Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the fill plug.

Fig 4: Locating Fill Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If equipped with Traction-Lok axles, first fill the axle with 118 ml (4 oz) of friction modifier. No friction modifier is used on Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) axles.

Fill the axle with the specified amount of axle lubricant and install the fill plug.
- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).