Right Front Axle Seal & Bearing?

[Mr Dubya]

I'm on my way to scan my workshop manual. I'll be back with the results momentarily.


-Dubya

 

[Mr Dubya]

It turns out I don't still have the sheared off axle-tube from my accident, however the workshop diagram indicates that the bearing-and-seal assembly goes for both sides.

-Dubya

 

[F47]

Thanks Dubya,

That is the best info I have found so far for that inner axle shaft. I can't make out the left hand side of your manual pages, but the right side probably shows enough. Your diagrams do not show the actual axle shaft, but I am pretty sure there is a circlip at each end, one in the differential housing and one at the cv joint spline. I don't know if you can just pull it out by defeating the circlip, or if you have to open the housing and remove the clip on this setup.

On the surface it does not seem too difficult. I will have to find a special tool for extracting the bearing. I assume I can use my generic tool for removing the seal.

What manual do you have? Is it the genuine Ford book? I am thinking I should get a set... if this truck is going to be around much longer.


I really appreciate your help.

Wayne

 

[Mr Dubya]

I have the Ford Workshop Manual for a 2003 Explorer/Mountaineer. Those diagrams are directly from it.

I looked through, and there is no more information on the front differential, particularly that axle tube. The blurriness was done by me, since the item numbering was confusing and all that was needed to be shown is Item 8 and 9.

It would have been nicer to see a detail of how that axle tube is diagrammed, but they went without it.

If you're willing to spend a quick 85 bucks on what I would consider an invaluable investment, check out these eBay posts for the complete 2002 Workshop Manual set (apparently 2002 has a Volume I and II, in addition to the wiring diagram book).


2002 Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer Workshop Manual Volume I & Wiring Diagram


2002 Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer Workshop Manual Volume II



-Dubya

 

[gavin]

Is that front axle housing the same as the 2nd gen? (I can't remember when they started using a new front axle)
If so, that bearing is virtually impossible to move. It's closer to the center of the axle tube.
I actually have a spare D35 in my garage I could try and get a pic of that particular spot.

 

[F47]

Thanks Gavin,

If you had a photo of your axle housing that would be great.

I am not sure if the housings are the same or not, but the axle code on the door panel of my truck is D4. I think that means the rear diff is LS. The front axle is labeled D-347-A.

I took Dubya's advice and ordered a complete set of Ford Manuals which is comprised of 2 volumes, plus a wiring diagram book.

Based on your comment, I am going to look further into getting my hands on a complete front axle assembly. I would have to get a tool to extract the bearing regardless of where it is in the tube, but if it is centered in there I am sure that would add to the difficulty factor. I have been speaking with a gent who is planning to part out a 2002 XLT. We have not confirmed if the axles are a match or not, as mine is a Limited model, but I am hopeful that it will work out. I will wait for the manuals to arrive in hopes that I find more detail than Dubya's 2003 manual has (but not overly optimistic that it will)

Once again, I appreciate the support as I try to determine what I am dealing with.

 

[gavin]

So the front-ends are different.
Looks like the 3rd gen front are Dana "Super" 30, not D35.
Although I imagine the housing will be similar, or at least the placement of the axle bearings.

You would need a bearing puller on an extremely long slide hammer.
Reinstall would just be a bearing/seal installer with an extremely long extension of sorts.

I'm going to guess the actual bearing is National/BCA 5707.

 

[F47]

Thanks Gavin,
My thoughts exactly on the tool requirements, but I will wait for the Ford manuals to arrive.
The parts guy at the dealer said the bearing was $40.00 + a seal that is probably 15 or 20, but likely a lot more work than just replacing the whole unit.

I will update when I get the repair method figured out.

Wayne

 

[Mr Dubya]

This is a 1 in the morning thought, so feel free to disregard, but there must be some kind of bearing at the very opening of the axle tube. I believe I recall a long 'shaft' with a splined end that remains inside the axle tube. The CV axle on the passenger side has a female end which fits over the splines end, inside the axle tube. It is possible that the CV axle would need only to be removed, and then that splined shaft pulled out, and then the seal and bearing pulled right there, instead of digging deep inside the tube for one at the back.

I refuse to proof read or reread my post for either error or insanity.

I'm going to bed...

-Dubya

 

[F47]

One would expect the bearing to be at the end of the axle tube, as I thought it would put stress on the axle shaft if it is in the middle, but apparently that was done on the 2nd gen trucks. Eventually I will either replace the entire unit or dig into it to find out .
I took your advice on the Genuine Ford manuals, which I expect to have around Wednesday. Will see if the 2002 version has more detail than the 2003 books. It is somewhat frustrating that this particular assembly is not well documented...so far at least.
Hope you get some sleep!

Wayne