Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

NOTE: Some removal steps

All vehicles

1.

Remove the rear brake discs. Refer to: Brake Disc .

2.

Remove the ABS bolts and position the ABS sensors aside on both sides.

GFD38456

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

3.
1. 1.
  
  Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the pinion flange to maintain alignment during installation.
1. 2.
  
  Remove and discard the driveshaft flange to pinion flange bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
1. 3.
  
  NOTE: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot.
Separate the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange and support the driveshaft.

GFD38575

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles equipped with mechanical parking brake

4.

Release the parking brake cable tension. Refer to: Parking Brake Cable Tension Release .

5.

NOTE: If equipped with mechanical parking brake.

NOTE: LH shown, RH side similar
1. 1.
  
  Press inward on the parking brake cable retainer tabs and detach the cable from caliper support bracket.
1. 2.
  
  Detach the parking brake cable from the parking brake shoe actuator lever.

GFD38457

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

6.

Remove the parking brake cable mounting bolt and position the parking brake cable aside.

GFD38458

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

All vehicles

7.

Disconnect the axle assembly vent hose.

GFD38459

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

8.
1. 1.
  
  Remove the axle assembly vent.
  Torque
  
  : 159 lb.in (18 Nm)
1. 2.
  
  Remove the brake tube and ABS harness mounting bracket bolt.
  Torque
  
  : 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)
1. 3.
  
  Remove the ABS harness push pin.

GFD38460

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

9.
1. 1.
  
  Separate the ABS harness clips from the differential housing cover stud bolts.
1. 2.
  
  Remove the brake line mounting bolt from the top of the axle assembly.
  Torque
  
  : 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
1. 3.
  
  Remove the brake line and ABS harness mount bolt from the RH rear spring seat.
  Torque
  
  : 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)
1. 4.
  
  Remove the brake line and ABS harness push pins from the RH axle tube.

GFD38576

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

10.

If equipped. Disconnect the ELD connector.

GFD38577

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

11.

Support the axle assembly with a transmission jack, remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nuts and bolts. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
Torque

: 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)

GFD38463

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

12.
1. 1.
  
  NOTE: The rear axle must be supported before removing the rear spring u-bolts.
  
  NOTE: The rear spring u-bolts need to be tightened in a cross pattern with the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires (curb height).
With the axle assembly supported with a transmission jack, remove and discard the rear spring u-bolts and u-bolt nuts and remove the u-bolt mounting plates. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

Torque

: Stage 1: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm) Stage 2: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm) Stage 3: 74 lb.ft (100 Nm) Stage 4: 98 lb.ft (133 Nm)

2.

Lower the transmission jack and remove the axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

GFD38578

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY