Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
If equipped. Remove the retainers and the engine undershield.

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Remove the engine rear support mounting bolt.
Torque

: 92 lb.ft (125 Nm)

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On both sides.
1. Remove the retainers and position the underbody aero deflector shield aside.
2. Remove the rear sub-frame reinforcement bracket bolt.
  Torque
  
  : 32 lb.ft (43 Nm)
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Remove the rear sub-frame reinforcement bracket.
1. Remove the nuts.
  Torque
  
  : 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
2. Remove the nuts.
  Torque
  
  : 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
3. Remove the bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)
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Remove the bolts and the driveshaft center bearing support bracket.
Torque

: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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On both sides. Remove the rear halfshaft. Refer to: Rear Halfshaft .
Remove the bolts and the driveshaft center bearing support bracket.
Torque

: 18 lb.ft (25 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.

NOTE: Do not remove driveshaft from the pinion flange by pulling on the driveshaft tube. Damage to the CV joint can result.

NOTE: Make sure that the component is installed to the position noted before removal.

Separate the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange and support the driveshaft.
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 and washers.
  Torque
  
  : 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)
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Fabricate a tool.
1. Install the special tool and ensure the distance shown.
2. Tie the special tool on the drive shaft.
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NOTE: The max articulation of the flex coupling is 7 degrees. The max articulation of any U-joint is 15 degrees. If the flex coupling or any U-joint of the driveshaft is articulated further then the max allowable degrees damage may occur.
- Using pry tool position the engine aside. Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
- Position aside the drive shaft and support.
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Detach the wiring harness retainer and disconnect the electrical connector.

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Detach the retainers and position the electrical wiring harness aside.

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Remove the exhaust isolator and position the muffler pipe aside.

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Position and secure the transmission jack under the rear drive axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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1. Remove the rear axle assembly member brace bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)
2. Remove the rear axle assembly member brace bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
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Using the transmission jack remove the rear axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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Remove the rear axle housing vent hose and clips.

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- Remove the bolt and the ground wire.
  Torque
  
  : 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
- Disconnect the rear axle transfer shift control module electrical connectors and position the wiring harness aside.
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Detach the retainers and position the transfer shift control module electrical wiring harness aside.

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Remove bolts and the rear axle transfer shift control module.
Torque

: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)

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NOTE: Note the position of the component before removal.

Remove the rear axle front insulator shield.

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Remove the rear axle front insulator bolt.
Torque

: 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)

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NOTE: Note the position of the component before removal.

Remove the rear axle rear insulator shield covers.

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1. Remove the rear axle assembly rear insulator bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)
2. Remove the rear axle assembly.

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