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.

Remove the front driveshaft. For additional information, REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
Remove the halfshafts. For additional information, REFER to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
Remove the 4 crossmember nuts and bolts and the crossmember.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Crossmember Nuts And Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use a high-lift jack to support the axle assembly.

Fig 2: Supporting Axle Assembly Using High-Lift Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the axle tube bushing bolt and flagnut.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Locating Axle Tube Bushing Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front axle housing bushing bolt.
- To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Front Axle Housing Bushing Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as a Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).

Fig 5: Holding Steering Wheel In Straight-Ahead Position Using Suitable Holding Device

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, REFER to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .

Remove and discard the steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the shaft from the steering gear.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Steering Column Shaft-To-Steering Gear Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear axle housing bushing bolt.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 7: Locating Rear Axle Housing Bushing Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Carefully lower the front drive axle assembly.
Disconnect the vent hose from the axle vent barbed fitting.

NOTE: Make sure the axle vent hose is connected.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.