Rotary Blade Coupling: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Make sure the machined surfaces on the rear axle housing, the differential housing cover and the rotary blade coupling housing 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.

Clean the gasket mating surfaces of the differential housing, the differential housing cover and the rotary blade coupling housing.

NOTE: Make sure the grommet is seated all the way in the slot.

NOTE: The rotary blade coupling assembly 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 properly cured.

Apply a new continuous bead of clear silicone rubber to the rotary blade coupling housing.
Install the rotary blade coupling assembly and six bolts.

Fig 1: Installing Rotary Blade Coupling Assembly Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The mass damper bolts must be installed in the sequence shown or damage to the vehicle may occur.

NOTE: Install the mass damper bolts by hand until finger tight.

If equipped, install the rear differential mass damper.
- Position the rear differential mass damper, and install the bolts in the sequence shown.
  
  Fig 2: Positioning Rear Differential Mass Damper
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, finally tighten the mass damper the bolts in the sequence shown.

Fig 3: Tightening Mass Damper Bolts In Sequence
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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 properly cured.

Fig 4: Applying Continuous Bead Of Clear Silicone Rubber To Differential Housing Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply a new continuous bead of clear silicone rubber to the differential housing cover as shown in the illustration.
Install the differential housing cover and bolts.

Fig 5: Installing Differential Housing Cover Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the electrical connector.

Fig 6: Connecting Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
Fill the rear axle with 1.4 liters (2.95 pints) of rear axle lubricant.
- Tighten the filler plug.
  
  Fig 7: Tightening Filler Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.