Universal Joint Flange and Drive Pinion Oil Seal Removal

Service operations on the differential case and the differential ring gear and pinion can be performed with the axle housing in the vehicle.
1. Raise the vehicle and install safety stands. Remove the rear wheels and rear disc brake rotors.

CAUTION: This operation disturbs the pinion bearing preload. Preload must be carefully reset when assembling.

NOTE: Replacement of rear axle drive pinion seal involves removal and installation of only the pinion nut and rear axle universal joint flange.





2. Mark the driveshaft centering socket yoke and rear axle universal joint flange to make sure driveshaft is properly positioned during assembly. Disconnect the driveshaft from the rear axle universal joint flange. Remove the driveshaft from the transmission extension housing. Install Extension Housing Seal Replacer 308-002 (T61L-7657-A) in the transmission extension housing to prevent oil leakage.

NOTE: If rear axle universal joint flange is being replaced, it is not necessary to mark the driveshaft centering socket yoke.





3. Install a Nm (inch lbs.) torque wrench on the pinion nut. Record the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.





4. While holding rear axle universal joint flange with Companion Flange Holding Tool 205-126 (T78P-4851-A), remove pinion nut.
5. Clean area around the rear axle drive pinion seal. Place a drain pan under rear axle drive pinion seal or raise front of vehicle higher than rear.





6. Mark rear axle universal joint flange in relation to pinion shaft so rear axle universal joint flange can be installed in same position.





7. To prevent damage to rear axle universal joint flange or drive pinion bearing adjustment shim, remove rear axle universal joint flange using Companion Flange Remover 205-018 (T65L-4851-B).

CAUTION: Never strike the rear axle universal joint flange with a hammer.





8. Position screwdriver under flange of rear axle drive pinion seal. Carefully strike with hammer to wedge screwdriver blade between metal flange of rear axle drive pinion seal and rear axle housing.

CAUTION: Do not damage rear axle housing while removing rear axle drive pinion seal.





9. Pry up on metal flange of rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with hammer until rear axle drive pinion seal is removed.