Stumped the Board ? Front Axel

[hillk]

Can the "collapsible Spacer" between the Pinion shaft bearings be removed
or replaced from the "Pinion Seal" end of the Front Axel housing while Axel housing is still in the vehicle. ( 99 Explorer 4x4)

 

[jimbo74]

welcome to the site, there is no need to start another thread because no one answered the one you posted yesterday

 

[gijoecam]

I'm no axle expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I don't see how you could get the old one out. If there was a way to get it out, I'd wager a guess that you could do it as I think it would just slide right in, but I can't honestly say for sure.

If you called a local transmission shop that works on 4x4s, they may be able to tell you. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

-Joe

 

[410Fortune]

the entire pinion assembly can be replaced with the housing inside the vehicle, however the diff may have to be opened and the carrier removed, I am not sure.
I do know that I have had a leaky or loose pinion bearing and seal replaced without disturbing the diff, and it was just over $100, but that was a few years ago.

 

[JDraper]

Can the "collapsible Spacer" between the Pinion shaft bearings be removed
or replaced from the "Pinion Seal" end of the Front Axel housing while Axel housing is still in the vehicle. ( 99 Explorer 4x4)

Yes you can replace it without removign the axle. Here's the way you do it from the Ford service CD. This is the process for replacing the pinion seal, but removal of the crush washer is part of the procedure.

1. WARNING:
The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the rear jack storage area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to «Section 100-02».

µ 2. Index-mark the front driveshaft and pinion flange.

µ 3. CAUTION:
Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.

Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange, and position it aside.

1 Remove the bolts and the universal joint spider retainers.

2 Disconnect the front driveshaft from the pinion flange.

3 Position the front driveshaft aside.

µ 4. Measure the pinion bearing preload.

l Using a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench, measure the torque required to maintain pinion rotation. Record the measurement.

µ 5. Index-mark the pinion flange and the pinion stem.

µ 6. Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while removing the nut.

µ 7. CAUTION:
Place a drain pan under the differential housing.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

8. Inspect the pinion flange for burrs and damage. Inspect the end of the pinion flange that contacts the bearing cone, the nut counterbore, and the seal surface for nicks. Discard the pinion flange as necessary.

µ 9. Using the special tool and a suitable impact slide hammer, remove the pinion seal.

µ 10. Remove the front axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger and the differential pinion bearing.

11. Remove and discard the collapsible spacer.


Installation

1. Verify that the splines on the pinion stem are free of burrs. If burrs are evident, remove them with a fine crocus cloth. Work in a rotating motion to wipe the pinion clean.

2. Clean the pinion seal bore.

3. Install a new collapsible spacer.

µ 4. Install the original differential pinion bearing and the front axle drive pinion shaft oil slinger.

5. Lubricate the pinion seal.

l Use Motorcraft SAE 80W90 Thermally Stable 4x4 Axle Lubricant meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.

µ 6. Using the special tool, install the pinion seal.

7. Lubricate the pinion flange splines.

l Use Motorcraft SAE 80W90 Thermally Stable 4x4 Axle Lubricant meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.

µ 8. CAUTION:
Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools. If necessary, use a plastic hammer to tap on a tight fitting flange.

Align the index marks and install the pinion flange.

µ 9. Install the new nut hand-tight.

µ 10. CAUTION:
Do not loosen the nut to reduce preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and nut if preload reduction is necessary.

Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while tightening the nut to set the preload.

l Tighten the nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to ensure the differential pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent differential pinion bearing preload readings by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench. The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 lb-in) more than the initial reading taken during removal.

µ 11. Align the index marks and position the front driveshaft.

µ 12. Install the universal joint spider retainers and bolts.

13. Check the fluid level and, if necessary, fill the axle to specification.

l Use Motorcraft SAE 80W90 Thermally Stable 4x4 Axle Lubricant meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.

14. Lower the vehicle.

15. If so equipped, reactivate the air suspension.