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: Single 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: Rear straps shown, front straps similar.

If equipped with a strap style pinion flange, remove and discard the U-joint strap bolts and straps.

Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)

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If equipped with a flange style pinion flange, 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.
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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. Clean the area around ABS sensor.
2. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and position the ABS sensor aside.
  Torque: 177 lb.in (20 Nm)
3. Remove the ABS sensor harness pushpin and position the ABS sensor harness aside.
4. Press inward on the parking brake cable retainer tabs and detach the cable from caliper support bracket.
5. Detach the parking brake cable from the parking brake shoe actuator lever.
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If equipped, disconnect the ELD connector and ELD harness pushpin.

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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 brakeline 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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Remove the brake line mounting bolt from the top of the axle assembly and the brake line and ABS harness push pins from the RH axle tube.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 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: 48 lb.ft (65 Nm)
  
  Stage 2: 96 lb.ft (130 Nm)
  
  Stage 3: 148 lb.ft (200 Nm)
  
  Stage 4: 195 lb.ft (265 Nm)
2. Lower the transmission jack and remove the axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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