Rear Driveshaft: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All vehicles

NOTE: A new driveshaft is required, if the driveshaft is dropped.

NOTE: The maximum articulation of any U-joint is 15 degrees. If any U-joint of the driveshaft is articulated further then the maximum allowable degrees damage may occur.

NOTE: Driveshafts should be supported so that each section of the driveshaft is parallel.

NOTE: Driveshafts should be supported to prevent center slip mechanism doesn't pull out of slip boot or over articulate the joint.

NOTE: If a bearing cup becomes detached from an open joint that falls to the ground, it must be discarded and replaced with a new cup assembly.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
Vehicles equipped with a U-joint strap style yoke
NOTE: Rear straps shown, front straps similar.

Remove and discard the U-joint strap bolts and straps.

Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles equipped with a flange style yoke
Disconnect the rear driveshaft from the pinion flange.
1. Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the pinion flange to maintain alignment during installation.
2. Remove and discard the driveshaft flange to pinion flange bolts.
  Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
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. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot or damage to the driveshaft flange can occur.
  
  Using a large flat headed screwdriver or tire lever, separate the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver Use the General Equipment: Tire Lever
4. Support the driveshaft.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Disconnect the rear driveshaft from the transmission flange.
1. Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the transmission flange to maintain alignment during installation.
2. NOTE: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the pinion flange pilots. To make sure that the driveshaft flanges seat squarely on the pinion flange pilots, tighten the driveshaft flange bolts evenly in a cross pattern or damage to the flanges can occur.
  
  Remove and discard the driveshaft flange to transmission flange bolts.
  
  Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
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. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot or damage to the driveshaft flange can occur.
  
  NOTE: The driveshaft flange to transmission flange is a tight fit. It may be necessary to remove the center bearing bolts before the driveshaft flange will separate from the transmission flange.
  
  Using a large flat headed screwdriver or tire lever, separate the driveshaft flange from the transmission flange. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver Use the General Equipment: Tire Lever
4. Support the driveshaft.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles equipped with a center bearing
NOTE: Center Bearing Bracket must be 90 degrees perpendicular to the driveshaft centerline when re-attached to the bracket. No twist allowed in the bracket when fasteners are tightened down. Twisting of the bracket can cause vibration and premature wearing of the bearing

NOTE: When installing, only hand tighten the center bearing bolts until the driveshaft is installed and torqued to the pinion flange and the transmission flange. Torque the center bearing bolts last.

If equipped with a 2 piece or 3 piece driveshaft, with the help of an assistant remove and discard the driveshaft center bearing bolts and remove the driveshaft.

Torque: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles equipped with a slip yoke
Remove the driveshaft.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY