Drive Pinion Flange and Drive Pinion Seal: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The rear wheels and brake calipers must be removed to prevent brake drag during drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.

Remove the rear brake calipers. For additional information, refer to BRAKE CALIPER .
Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
Install a Nm torque wrench on the pinion nut and record the rotational torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.

Fig 1: Rotating Pinion And Measuring Rotational Torque
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: After removal of the pinion nut, discard it. A new nut must be used for installation.

Fig 2: Holding Pinion Flange With Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange while removing the pinion nut.
Mark the pinion flange in relation to the drive pinion stem to make sure alignment is correct during installation.

Fig 3: Index-Marking Pinion Flange In Relation To Drive Pinion
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 4: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Force up on the metal flange of the rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers to the seal flange and strike with a hammer until the rear axle drive pinion seal is removed.

Fig 5: Removing Drive Pinion Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.