Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. 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

Remove the rear wheel and tires. REFER to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Dual Rear Wheels .
NOTE: Do not pry in the caliper sight hole to retract the pistons as this can damage the pistons and boots.

NOTE: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.

Remove the bolts and position the brake caliper and anchor plate aside. Discard the bolts.

Torque: 166 lb.ft (225 Nm)

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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.

Disconnect and position aside the driveshaft
1. Index mark the driveshaft and the pinion flange for reference during installation.
2. Remove and discard the driveshaft to pinion flange bolts and straps.
3. Support the driveshaft.
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Remove and discard the sway bar bracket bolts and position the sway bar away.
Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

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Release the parking brake cable tension. REFER to: Parking Brake Cable Tension Release .
NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar
1. Press inward on the parking brake cable retainer tabs and detach the cable from caliper support bracket.
2. Detach the parking brake cable from the parking brake shoe actuator lever.
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1. Disconnect the axle assembly vent hose.
2. Remove the axle assembly vent.
  Torque: 159 lb.in (18 Nm)
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NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar

Remove the brake line bracket bolt.

Torque: 159 lb.in (18 Nm)

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Remove the parking brake bracket bolt.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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1. Remove the brake line mounting bolt from the top of the axle assembly
  Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
2. Disconnect the ABS harness pushpin retainers.
3. Clean and remove the ABS sensor bolts and sensors.
  Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)
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Remove the parking brake bracket bolt.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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Support the axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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NOTE: Right side shown, Left side similar.

Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nuts and bolts.

Torque: 111 lb.ft (150 Nm)

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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: 74 lb.ft (100 Nm)
  
  Stage 2: 148 lb.ft (200 Nm)
  
  Stage 3: 221 lb.ft (300 Nm)
  
  Stage 4: 295 lb.ft (400 Nm)
2. Lower the transmission jack and remove the axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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