OEM 2005 Ford E-150 Axle Shaft

2005 Ford E-150 Axle Shaft Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the Dana 60 and 70 semi-floating axle shaft assembly on 2005 Ford E-150?

  A: Service and repair of Dana 60 and 70 semi-floating axle shaft assembly can begin once the vehicle raises to a hoist level or engages a jack to lift the rear end before using safety stands for security. Service professionals must start by disconnecting the tire and wheel from the rear side then proceed to the brake disc removal process. After taking off the differential housing cover one should drain the lubricant and then clean both the cover and housing from gasket material. The differential assembly incorporates a lock screw either with Loctite(R) coating and a 5/32-inch hexagram socket head or a torque prevailing screw with a 12-point drive head; the first type needs discarding whereas the second can be reused multiple times up to four uses. Take out the lock screw followed by the differential pinion shaft since it operates through slip-fit. Steer the flanged end of the axle shaft toward the tube center to slip out the U-washer without causing damage to the wheel bearing oil seal or rotating the differential side gears to avoid component loss. Reinstall the differential pinion shaft along with the old lock screw in a finger-tight condition to stop gear rotation. When installing an axle shaft insert it into the tube until both the differential side gear and splines match then place the U-washer followed by gently extending the axle shaft to secure it into position. Synchronize the differential pinion shaft lock screw hole to match with the differential case while positioning the thrust washers before you install the differential pinion shaft. The installation of a new lock screw must occur after cleaning both differential case threads and the lock screw threads. First sanitize both the differential housing cover and housing surfaces before creating a continuous silicone sealant bead that will cover the mounting surfaces of the cover. Use two bolts at eight o'clock and two o'clock positions to install the cover before putting in remaining bolts while tightening them alternately at 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.) for grade 5 bolts and 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.) for grade 8 bolts. The sealant needs an hour to cure and you must start with 0.2 liters (8 ounces) of friction modifier before adding 3.0L (6.3 pints) of rear axle lubricant during this process for limited-slip axles. Place the brake disc wheel and tire assembly back in its place then lower the vehicle.