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    Ford Ranger 2000-2005

    Axle Shaft, Bearing & Seal

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    Removal & Installation



    1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
      2.  
    2. Drain the axle housing fluid.
      3.  
    3. Remove or disconnect the following:

      Negative battery cable
       
      Rear wheel
       
      Brake drum
       
      Wheel speed sensor, if equipped
       
      Axle housing cover
       
      Bearing retainer nuts
       
      Axle shaft and bearing
       
      Axle shaft inner oil seal
       

      4.  
    4. If equipped with ABS, grind a flat spot on the wheel speed sensor tone ring, then split the ring with a chisel.
      5.  
    5. Press the wheel bearing off the axle shaft.
      6.  
    6. Remove the bearing retainer and the outer oil seal.
      7.  

    To install:

    1. Install or connect the following:

      Outer oil seal to the bearing retainer
       
      Bearing retainer to the axle shaft
       
      Bearing and retainer ring pressed onto the axle shaft
       
      Wheel speed sensor tone ring pressed onto the axle shaft, if equipped
       
      Axle shaft inner oil seal
       
      Axle shaft and bearing
       
      Bearing retainer nuts. Tighten them to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm).
       
      Wheel speed sensor, if equipped
       
      Brake drum
       
      Rear wheel
       
      Negative battery cable
       

      2.  
    2. Fill the rear differential to the correct level.
      3.  

    Ford 7.5 Inch Ring Gear


    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Differential pinion shaft removal. 1-lock bolt; 2-pinion shaft

    Differential pinion shaft removal. 1-lock bolt; 2-pinion shaft

    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Removing the U-washers. 1-axle shaft; 2-U-washer

    Removing the U-washers. 1-axle shaft; 2-U-washer
    1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
      2.  
    2. Raise and support the vehicle.
      3.  
    3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      4.  
    4. Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.
      5.  
    5. Remove the differential housing cover.
      6.  
    6. Remove the rear brake drums.
      7.  
    7. Remove and discard the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
      8.  
    8. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
      NOTE
      Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.

      9.  
    9. Push the axle shafts inboard.
      10.  
    10. Remove the U-washers.
      NOTE
      Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

      11.  
    11. Remove the two axle shafts.
      NOTE
      If only a new seal needs to be installed, use care to avoid damaging the seal bore.

      12.  
    12. Using a suitable seal remover, remove the axle shaft oil seal. Discard the oil seal.
      13.  
    13. Inspect the rear wheel bearing and axle shaft for wear or damage.
      14.  
    14. If necessary, using a slidehammer, remove the rear wheel bearing.
      15.  

    To install:

    1. Lubricate the new rear wheel bearing with lubricant.
      2.  
    2. Using a driver, install the rear wheel bearing.
      3.  
    3. Lubricate the lip of the new wheel bearing oil seal with grease.
      4.  
    4. Using a driver, install the wheel bearing oil seal.
      NOTE
      Make sure the machined surfaces on both the rear axle housing and the differential housing cover are clean and free of oil before installing the new silicone sealant. The inside of the rear axle must be covered when cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.

      5.  
    5. Clean the gasket mating surface of the rear axle and the differential housing cover.
      6.  
    6. Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal with grease.
      NOTE
      Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

      7.  
    7. Install the axle shafts.
      NOTE
      Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.

      8.  
    8. Position the two U-washers on the button end of the axle shafts.
      9.  
    9. Pull the axle shafts outward.
      NOTE
      If a new pinion shaft lock bolt is unavailable, coat the threads with threadlock and sealer prior to installation.

      10.  
    10. Install the differential pinion shaft.
      1. Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the case lock bolt hole.
        2.  
      2. Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt. Torque to 20 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
        3.  

      11.  
    11. Install the rear brake drums.
      12.  
    12. Apply a new continuous bead of sealant of the specified thickness to the differential housing cover.
      NOTE
      The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

      13.  
    13. Install the different housing cover.
      14.  
    14. Install the 10 differential housing cover bolts. Torque to 33 ft. lbs. (45Nm).
      15.  
    15. Fill the rear axle housing with 2.4 liters (5 pints) of lubricant.
      16.  
    16. Install the wheels and tires.
      17.  
    17. Lower the vehicle.
      18.  

    Ford 8.8 Inch Ring Gear
    1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
      2.  
    2. Raise and support the vehicle.
      3.  
    3. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly.
      4.  
    4. Remove the brake drum.
      5.  
    5. Remove the differential housing cover and drain the lubricant.
      6.  
    6. Remove and discard the pinion shaft bolt.
      7.  
    7. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
      NOTE
      Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the U-washer groove.

      8.  
    8. Push the axle shaft inboard.
      9.  
    9. Remove the U-washer.
      10.  
    10. Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.
      11.  
    11. Remove the axle shaft.
      NOTE
      If only a new seal needs to be installed, use care to avoid damaging the seal bore. If the wheel bearing oil seal is leaking, the differential housing vent may be plugged with foreign material.

      12.  
    12. Using a suitable seal remover, remove the axle shaft oil seal. Discard the oil seal.
      13.  
    13. Inspect the rear wheel bearing and axle shaft for wear or damage.
      14.  
    14. Using the special tools, remove the rear wheel bearing.
      15.  

    To install:

    1. Lubricate the new rear wheel bearing with rear axle lubricant.
      2.  
    2. Using the special tools, install the rear wheel bearing.
      3.  
    3. Lubricate the lip of the new wheel bearing oil seal with grease.
      4.  
    4. Using the special tools, install the wheel bearing oil seal.
      5.  
    5. Install the axle shaft.
      6.  
    6. Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal with grease.
      NOTE
      Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

      7.  
    7. Install the axle shaft.
      8.  
    8. Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the U-washer groove.
      9.  
    9. Position the U-washer on the button end of the axle shaft.
      10.  
    10. Pull the axle shaft outward.
      NOTE
      If a new bolt is unavailable, coat the bolt threads with threadlock prior to installation.

      11.  
    11. Align the bolt hole in the differential pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the case.
      12.  
    12. Install the new bolt. Torque to 22 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
      13.  
    13. Install the brake drum.
      14.  
    14. Install the differential housing cover and fill the differential housing with the specified lubricant.
      15.  
    15. Install the rear wheel and tire assembly.
      16.  
    16. Lower the vehicle.
      17.  

    Ford 8.8 Inch Ring Gear High Torque
    1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
      2.  
    2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      3.  
    3. Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.
      4.  
    4. Remove the differential housing cover.
      5.  
    5. Remove the rear brake drums.
      6.  
    6. Remove and discard the differential thrust plate lock bolt.
      7.  
    7. Remove the differential thrust plate.
      WARNING
      Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.



      Click image to see an enlarged view

      Fig. Differential view 8.8 inch. ring gear high torque

      Differential view 8.8 inch. ring gear high torque
      8.  
    8. Push the axle shafts inboard.
      9.  
    9. Remove the U-washers.

      Click image to see an enlarged view

      Fig. Differential view of axle shaft and U-washers

      Differential view of axle shaft and U-washers
      10.  
    10. Remove the 2 axle shafts.

      Click image to see an enlarged view

      Fig. Axle shaft removal

      Axle shaft removal
      11.  
    11. Using a suitable seal remover, remove the axle shaft oil seal.
      12.  
    12. Using a slide hammer, remove the rear wheel bearing.
      13.  

    To install:

    1. Lubricate the new rear wheel bearing with rear axle lubricant
      2.  
    2. Using a suitable tool, install the rear wheel bearing.
      3.  
    3. Lubricate the lip of the new wheel bearing oil seal with grease.
      4.  
    4. Using the suitable tool, install the wheel bearing oil seal.
      5.  
    5. Carefully install the 2 axle shafts.
      6.  
    6. Position the 2 U-washers on the button end of the axle shafts.
      7.  
    7. Pull the axle shafts outward.
      NOTE
      If a new thrust plate lock bolt is unavailable, coat the threads with threadlock and sealer prior to installation.

      8.  
    8. Align the hole in the thrust plate shaft with the case lock bolt hole.
      9.  
    9. Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt and tighten to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).
      10.  
    10. Install the rear brake drums.
      11.  
    11. Clean the gasket mating surface of the rear axle and the differential housing cover.
      12.  
    12. Apply a continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover.
      NOTE
      The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

      13.  
    13. Install the differential housing cover.
      14.  
    14. Install the differential housing cover bolts and tighten to 33 ft. lbs. (45 Nm).
      15.  
    15. Fill the rear axle housing with 5.37 pints (2.54 liters) of 74W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant.
      16.  
    16. Clean the wheel hub and mounting surfaces.
      17.  
    17. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
      18.  

    Ford 8.8 Inch Ring Gear Solid Axle
    1. Before servicing the vehicle, please familiarize yourself with safety procedures.
      2.  
    2. Raise and support the vehicle.
      3.  
    3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
      4.  
    4. Loosen the bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.
      5.  
    5. Remove the cover bolts.
      6.  
    6. Remove the differential housing cover.
      7.  
    7. Remove the rear brake disc or brake drum and shoes.
      WARNING
      Turning the differential case or an axle shaft with the differential pinion shaft removed will cause the differential pinion gears to fall out of the assembly and damage the components.

      8.  
    8. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
      9.  
    9. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
      WARNING
      Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the U-washer groove.

      10.  
    10. Push the axle shaft inboard.
      11.  
    11. Remove the U-washer.
      12.  
    12. Install the differential pinion shaft.
      13.  
    13. Install the differential pinion shaft lock bolt finger-tight.
      WARNING
      Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

      14.  
    14. Remove the axle shaft.
      NOTE
      If the wheel bearing oil seal is leaking, the axle housing vent may be plugged with foreign material.


      NOTE
      If only a new seal needs to be installed, use care to avoid damaging the seal bore.

      15.  
    15. Using a suitable seal remover, remove the axle shaft oil seal. Discard the oil seal.
      16.  
    16. Inspect the rear wheel bearing and axle shaft for wear or damage.
      17.  
    17. If necessary, using the special tools, remove the rear wheel bearing.

      Click image to see an enlarged view

      Fig. Rear wheel bearing and seal removal-8.8 inch solid axle

      Rear wheel bearing and seal removal-8.8 inch solid axle
      18.  

    To install:

    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Rear wheel bearing installation-8.8 inch solid axle

    Rear wheel bearing installation-8.8 inch solid axle

    Click image to see an enlarged view

    Fig. Rear axle seal installation-8.8 inch solid axle

    Rear axle seal installation-8.8 inch solid axle

    1. Lubricate the new rear wheel bearing.
      1. For limited slip rear axles, use SAE 75W-140 High Performance Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
        2.  
      2. For conventional rear axles, use SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.
        3.  

      2.  
    2. Using a bearing driver, install the rear wheel bearing.
      3.  
    3. Lubricate the lip of the new wheel bearing oil seal. Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.
      4.  
    4. Using a seal driver, install the wheel bearing oil seal.
      5.  
    5. Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal. Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.
      WARNING
      Turning the differential case or an axle shaft with the differential pinion shaft removed will cause the differential pinion gears to fall out of the assembly and damage the components.

      6.  
    6. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
      7.  
    7. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
      WARNING
      Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

      8.  
    8. Install the axle shaft.
      WARNING
      Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the U-washer groove.

      9.  
    9. Position the U-washer on the button end of the axle shaft.
      10.  
    10. Pull the axle shaft outward.
      WARNING
      If a new pinion shaft lock bolt is unavailable, coat the threads with Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5.

      11.  
    11. Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the differential pinion shaft lock bolt hole.
      12.  
    12. Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt. Torque to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).
      13.  
    13. Install the rear brake disc or shoes and drum.
      NOTE
      The machined surfaces on the differential housing and the differential housing cover must be clean and free of oil before applying the silicone sealant. Cover the inside of the rear axle prior to cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.

      14.  
    14. Clean the cover gasket mating surfaces.
      NOTE
      Install the differential housing cover within 15 minutes of applying the silicone, or it will be necessary to apply new sealant.

      15.  
    15. Apply a continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover. Use Clear Silicone Rubber D6AZ-19562-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESB-M4G92-A.
      NOTE
      If possible, allow one hour before filling the axle with lubricant to allow the silicone sealant to cure.

      16.  
    16. Position the differential housing cover. Install the bolts. Torque to 33 ft. lbs. (45 Nm).
      17.  
    17. Fill the rear axle housing with the specified lubricant type and quantity.
      NOTE
      For Traction-Lok®axles, first fill the rear axle with 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118-A.


      NOTE
      Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle to the level shown.

      18.  
    18. Fill the rear axle with lubricant and install the fill plug.
      1. For conventional axles, use SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.
        2.  
      2. For Traction-Lok®axles, use SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
        3.  

      19.  
    19. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
      20.  

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