Removal and 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.

All vehicles

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical components because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. Install new components with the same component number or an equivalent component if installation is necessary. Do not use an installation component of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these components.

Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to AXLE SHAFT .
Release the parking brake cable tension. For additional information, REFER to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION .
Disconnect the parking brake cables.

Fig 1: Locating Parking Brake Cables
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness retainers from the axle.
Vehicles with Electronic Locking Differential (ELD)
Disconnect the ELD electrical connector.
All vehicles

NOTE: If the vent hose is disconnected from the vehicle body, a new retainer must be installed.

Disconnect the vent hose and remove the axle vent.
- To install, tighten to 18 Nm (159 lb-in).
  
  Fig 2: Locating Vent Hose
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the RH parking brake cable bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Locating RH Parking Brake Cable Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake tube/parking brake cable bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Brake Tube/Parking Brake Cable Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the brake tube from the brake tube retaining clip.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Brake Tube From Brake Tube Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 brake hose bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Brake Hose Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Support the axle with a suitable transmission jack.

WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Remove and discard the 2 lower shock absorber nuts and 2 bolts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 7: Locating Lower Shock Absorber Nut And Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Final tightening of the U-bolt nuts must be done with the suspension at curb height or incorrect clamp load may occur.

Remove and discard the 8 U-bolt nuts and the 4 U-bolts.
- To install, with the suspension at curb height, tighten the new nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.
  - Stage 1: Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
  - Stage 2: Tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
  - Stage 3: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  - Stage 4: Tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 8: Locating U-Bolts And Nuts
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

WARNING: Always secure transmission, transfer case, and axle assemblies to their service jack. Avoid obstructions while lowering and raising the jack. Improperly secured assemblies or contact with obstructions may cause the assembly to fall off the jack, which could result in serious personal injury.

Lower and remove the axle assembly.
To install the original assembly, reverse the removal procedure.
Check the rear axle fluid level after installation.