Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 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

Remove the rear brake discs. Refer to: Brake Disc .
Remove the ABS bolts and position the ABS sensors aside on both sides.

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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.
  
  Separate the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange and support the driveshaft.
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Vehicles equipped with mechanical parking brake
Release the parking brake cable tension.
NOTE: If equipped with mechanical parking brake.

NOTE: LH 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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Remove the parking brake cable mounting bolt and position the parking brake cable aside.

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All vehicles
Disconnect the axle assembly vent hose.

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1. Remove the axle assembly vent.
  Torque: 159 lb.in (18 Nm)
2. Remove the brake tube and ABS harness mounting bracket bolt.
  Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)
3. Remove the ABS harness push pin.
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NOTE: Make sure the axle assembly vent tube and vent plug is not damaged or blocked.

NOTE: This step is not necessary when installing a new component.

NOTE: Apply loctite to the vent plug threads while installing vent plug into the axle assembly.

Install new vent tube and vent plug if the vent tube or plug is blocked or cracked.

Material: Motorcraft® Threadlock and Sealer / TA-25-B

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

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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)

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1. NOTE: The rear axle must be supported before removing the rear spring U-boats.
  
  NOTE: The rear spring U-boats 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-boats and U-boat nuts and remove the U-boat 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

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