Differential Bearings: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Position the Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer and the inner and outer bearing cups in their respective bores.
1. After placing the inner and outer bearing cups in their respective bores, place the Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer on the inner bearing cup.
2. Place the Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer on the outer bearing cup.
3. Install the Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer.
  
  Fig 1: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer to seat the pinion bearing cups in their bores.

Fig 2: Tightening Drive Pinion Bearing Cup Installer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: If a feeler gauge of the specification shown can be inserted between a cup and the bottom of its bore at any point around the cup, the cup is not correctly seated.

Make sure the differential pinion bearing cups are correctly seated.

Fig 3: Checking Clearance Between Differential Pinion Bearing Cup And Bore
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Install new drive pinion bearings without any additional lubricant since the anti-rust oil provides adequate lubricant without upsetting the drive pinion bearing preload settings.

Assemble and position the Adapters.

Item	Part Number	Description
1	205-105	Adapter for 205-S127 (1.612 in OD) (T76P-4020-A3)
2	205-111	Adapter for 205-S127 (T76P-4020-A11)
3	4621	Drive pinion bearing (outer)
4	205-109	Adapter for 205-S127 (T76P-4020-A9)
5	4630	Drive pinion bearing (inner)
6	205-129	Adapter for 105-S127 (1.1884 in thick) (T79P-4020-A18)
7	205-110	Adapter for 205-S127 (1.7 in thick) (T76P-4020-A10)

Fig 4: Positioning Drive Pinion Bearing Installation Adapter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: This step duplicates final drive pinion bearing preload.

Tighten the Adapter.
- Tighten to 2.2 Nm (20 lb-in) rotational torque.
  
  Fig 5: Tightening Drive Pinion Bearing Adapter
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The Adapter must be offset to obtain an accurate reading.

Rotate the Adapter several half turns to make sure of correct seating of the drive pinion bearings and position the Adapter.

Fig 6: Rotating Drive Pinion Bearings Adapter
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Adapter.
1. Position the gauge tube.
2. Install the 2 differential bearing caps.
3. Install the 4 differential bearing cap bolts.
  - Tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 7: Installing Differential Bearing Cap Bolts
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Drive pinion bearing adjustment shims must be flat and clean.

NOTE: A slight drag should be felt for correct drive pinion bearing adjustment shim selection. Do not attempt to force the drive pinion bearing adjustment shim between Adapter and gauge tube. This will minimize selection of a drive pinion bearing adjustment shim thicker than required, which results in a deep tooth contact in final assembly of integral axle assemblies.

Use a drive pinion bearing adjustment shim as a gauge for drive pinion bearing adjustment shim selection.
- After the correct drive pinion bearing adjustment shim thickness has been determined, remove all of the Adapters.
  
  Fig 8: Checking Pinion Bearing Adjustment Shim
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Shaft Bearing Cone Installer and Bearing Oil Seal Plate and a shop press, drive the inner drive pinion bearing and drive pinion bearing adjustment shim until they are firmly seated on the pinion shaft.

Fig 9: Driving Inner Drive Pinion Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install a new drive pinion collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft against the pinion shaft shoulder.

Fig 10: Locating Drive Pinion Collapsible Spacer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the drive pinion assembly into the axle housing.

Fig 11: Installing Drive Pinion Assembly Into Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the outer drive pinion bearing and the drive pinion shaft oil slinger.
Install the drive pinion seal and flange. For additional information, refer to DRIVE PINION FLANGE AND DRIVE PINION SEAL .
Using the Differential Side Bearing Installer, install the 2 new differential bearings.

Fig 12: Installing Differential Bearings Using Differential Side Bearing Installer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the differential carrier. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .