Question 1

How to remove and install front axle shafts on a Ford Bronco?

Accepted Answer

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the wheels. Remove the front wheel hub(s) and the spindle assembly. For independent front suspensions, the left side axle assembly can be pulled out of the differential case, taking care as the universal joint passes through the knuckle bore. On F3.50 Monobeam front ends, both axle assemblies can be pulled out of the axle tube. For late model independent front suspensions, remove the stub axle slip joint boot clamps, slide the boot over the stub axle, and pull the drive axle from the stub axle slip joint through the knuckle bore. On early models, the right axleshaft can be slid out of the slip joint/grease seal. At this point, service the axle assembly as needed, ensuring all components are in good condition before installation. Carefully insert the left side axleshaft through the knuckle bore, engaging the axle spline with the differential side gears, and install a new RDS seal on the knuckle end with the lip facing the spindle, coating the seal face with grease. For the right side axle, insert it through the knuckle bore, engage the axle spline with the stub axle slip joint spline, and install a new RDS seal similarly. The remaining installation steps follow the reverse of removal, tightening all fasteners to the specified torque. For the right stub axle shaft on early models, remove the right side axleshaft, then the stub axle bearing retainer bolts, and pull the stub axle, seal, and bearing as an assembly from the axle housing, using a slide hammer if necessary. Service the stub axle universal joint, seal, and bearing, ensuring all components are in proper working order before installation. Install the stub axle assembly into the axle housing, engaging the differential side gear splines, and gently tap it into place until the bearing bottoms in the bore, followed by careful tapping of the seal until it seats evenly. Install the bearing retainer plate and bolts, tightening them to the specified torque, and complete the installation in reverse order. Check the lubricant level and add if necessary, then test drive the vehicle to check for leaks and proper operation. For later models with internally retained stub axle shafts, remove both axleshafts, mark the orientation of the transfer case driveshaft to the differential yoke, and remove the driveshaft. Position a drain pan under the differential, support the differential carrier with a floor jack, and remove the bolts retaining the carrier to the axle case before separating the carrier from the axle case. Rotate the stub axle shaft assembly until the open side of the axle-to-side gear snap-ring is exposed, remove the snap-ring, and pull the stub axle out of the carrier for servicing. Verify that all components are in proper working order before installing the stub axle into the right side of the carrier, engaging the splines of the side gear and installing a new snap-ring. Clean all traces of sealant from the surfaces of the carrier and axle case, apply a bead of RTV sealant around the carrier sealing surface, position the carrier on the jack, and install it in the axle case, tightening the fasteners to the specified torque. Complete the installation in reverse order, refill the case with the recommended lubricant, and check for leaks before test driving the vehicle to ensure proper operation.

Question 2

What are the function and structure of the rear axle shaft assembly, and what are the common issues and diagnostic procedures associated with it on 2000-2011 Ford Ranger?

Accepted Answer

The rear axle assembly is a hypoid semi-floating type, featuring a differential carrier made from casting with a pressed steel cover, while the axle tubes are constructed from steel, pressed and welded into the carrier. An optional Traction-Lok limited slip rear axle is available, which operates normally until one wheel loses traction, utilizing multi-disc clutch packs and a speed-sensitive engagement mechanism to lock both axleshafts together, providing equal rotational power to both wheels. Knowing the axle identification number, located on a small metal tag near one of the cover bolts, is crucial for certain operations, especially when replacing the axleshafts. Often, issues suspected in the rear axle area may actually originate elsewhere, so a thorough check is advisable before concluding a rear axle problem. Common noises associated with rear axle diagnosis include road noise, which can be mistaken for mechanical faults and remains consistent regardless of vehicle power; tire noise, which can arise from worn or under-inflated tires and remains constant during various driving conditions; and engine and transmission noise, which can mislead diagnostics as it travels along the driveline. To isolate such noises, noting the engine speed at which the noise is most pronounced and then running the engine in Neutral at the same speed can help determine if the rear axle is at fault. Overhaul and general repair of the rear axle require special tools and critical measurements, making it beyond the scope of the home mechanic, with procedures involving axleshaft removal and installation, oil seal replacement, bearing replacement, and complete unit removal for repair or replacement.

OEM Ford Axle Shaft

610 Axle Shafts found

Ford Axle Assembly, Rear Part Number: F2GZ-4K138-C

Ford Axle Shaft, Rear Passenger Side Part Number: BC3Z-4234-D

Ford Axle Shafts, Rear Driver Side Part Number: 8L8Z-4K139-A

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: F2GZ-3B436-AH

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: AL3Z-3A428-C

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: F2GZ-3B436-AG

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: FB5Z-3B436-E

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: FL3Z-3A428-A

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: 7T4Z-3A428-C

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: HG9Z-3B436-C

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: ML3Z-3A428-A

Ford Axle Shaft, Rear Passenger Side Part Number: HC3Z-4234-A

Ford Axle Assembly Part Number: HG9Z-4K138-B

Ford C.V. Joint, Front Inner Driver Side Part Number: AL1Z-3B414-B

Ford Outer CV Joint, Driver Side Part Number: EV6Z-3A329-A

Ford Axle Assembly, Rear Driver Side Part Number: K2GZ-4K139-A

Ford Axle Assembly, Rear Passenger Side Part Number: K2GZ-4K138-A

Ford Axle Shafts, Rear Passenger Side Part Number: HC3Z-4234-H

Ford Axle Assembly, Front Passenger Side Part Number: F2GZ-3B436-AE

Ford Axle Assembly, Rear Driver Side Part Number: DT4Z-4K139-B

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