Differential Ring & Pinion: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Remove the differential carrier assembly. For additional information, refer to Differential Carrier .
Remove the 10 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Identifying Differential Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Care should be taken not to damage the differential ring gear bolt hole threads.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.

Fig 2: Removing Differential Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The anti-lock ring cannot be reused once removed. Remove the anti-lock ring only if damaged.

If necessary, remove the anti-lock ring.

Fig 3: Identifying Anti-Lock Ring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 4: Removing Differential Bearings Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 5: Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.

Fig 6: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown in illustration with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange or component damage may occur.

Using a suitable tool as shown in illustration, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
- Using mechanic's wire, position the driveshaft aside.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, remove and discard the pinion nut.

Fig 8: Holding Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Force up on the metal flange of the drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with a hammer until the drive pinion seal is removed.

Fig 10: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal And Slinger

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the drive pinion shaft oil slinger and the outer drive pinion bearing.
Install the special tool. Using a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion assembly out of the axle housing.

Fig 11: Driving Pinion Assembly Out Of Axle Housing Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a brass drift, remove the drive pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the drive pinion bearing cups.

Fig 12: Identifying Pinion Bearing Cups

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.