Axle Housing

Axle Housing

Removal and Installation

1. NOTE: Make sure the parking brake control is fully released.

Release the tension on the front parking brake cable and conduit.
1. Pull on the front parking brake cable and conduit until the parking brake pedal moves.





2. Insert a suitable retainer, such as a 5/32-inch drill bit, into the parking brake control to hold it in place so that the front parking brake cable and conduit stays slack.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the axle shafts.





4. Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange or correct alignment during installation.





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

Remove the tour driveshaft retainer bolts and disconnect the driveshaft. Wire the driveshaft out of the way.





6. NOTE: Do not disconnect the brake lines from the brake hose junction block.

NOTE: Explorer Sport Trac is shown. Explorer Sport brake hose junction block is located on the LH side of the differential housing.

Disconnect the brake hose junction block from the differential housing.





7. Disconnect the vent hose.





8. Disconnect the parking cable and conduit at the parking brake lever, if so equipped.





9. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor, if so equipped.








10. CAUTION: Pull the brake lines from the retaining clips.

Remove the brake system.
^ Remove the rear brake discs and the rear disc brake calipers and wire the rear disc brake calipers aside.





11. Position a suitable jack under the rear axle housing and strap it securely in place.





12. Disconnect the rear stabilizer bar at the links.








13. Remove the lower shock absorber nuts and bolts, and the front dampener shock absorber nuts and bolts, if equipped.





14. Remove the rear axle U-bolt assembly.

15. CAUTION: Be careful of obstructions and of causing damage to vehicle components when performing this step.
Raise the differential housing off the rear springs and manipulate the differential housing from the vehicle.





16. CAUTION: Be sure to align the driveshaft flange and the pinion flange index-marks.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To ensure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.