Axle Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

Remove the load floor cover.

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Position the load floor storage compartment cover up.

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Remove the vehicle jack assembly.

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Remove the swivel wrench from the tool kit bag, open the spare tire winch access plug at the bottom of the compartment for the jack and tools tray.
1. Insert the swivel wrench through the access hole in the floor to engage the winch.
2. Turn the handle counterclockwise until the tire lowers to the ground and the cable is slightly slack.
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NOTE: Slide the retainer through the center of the spare tire wheel and remove the spare tire wheel.

Remove the spare wheel.

Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)

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Drain the differential fluid. Refer to: Differential Draining and Filling .
Remove the rear halfshafts. Refer to: Rear Halfshaft .
Remove the rear stabilizer bar. Refer to: Rear Stabilizer Bar .
Remove the muffler. Refer to: Muffler .
1. Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the pinion flange to maintain alignment during installation.
2. Remove and discard the driveshaft flange to pinion flange bolts.
  Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
3. NOTE: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange or damage to the component may occur.
  
  Using a large flat headed screwdriver or tire lever, separate the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver Use the General Equipment: Tire Lever
4. Support the driveshaft. Use the General Equipment: Cable Ties
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Using the transmission jack support the rear axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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Vehicles equipped electronic limited-slip differential
NOTE: Ensure the eLSD wiring harnesses disconnect prior to lowering the axle.

Position aside the eLSD HCU electrical wiring harness.
- Disconnect the HCU electrical connectors.
- Detach the HCU electrical wiring harness retainers.
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All vehicles
Remove and discard the rear differential mounting nuts.
Torque: 98 lb.ft (133 Nm)

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Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
Torque: 98 lb.ft (133 Nm)

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Gently down the transmission jack. Pull forward and remove the rear axle assembly.

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