Ford Explorer: Rear Drive Axle/Differential / Removal and Installation - Differential Housing Cover

Materials

Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
   Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
   

1. Remove the rear axle assembly.
   Refer to: Axle Assembly (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the differential housing cover bolts and the cover.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure the machined surfaces on the rear axle housing and the differential housing cover are clean and free of oil before installing the new silicone sealant. Cover the inside of the rear axle when cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.

   Clean the gasket mating surfaces of the differential housing and the differential housing cover.
   

Installation

1. NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new silicone must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone has correctly cured.

   NOTE: Care should be taken not to allow RTV sealant spillage in bowl of differential carrier.

   Apply a new bead of sealant to the differential housing as shown.
   Material: Motorcraft® Ultra Silicone Sealant / TA-29 (WSS-M4G323-A8)

1. Install the differential housing cover and the differential housing cover bolts.
   Torque: 33 lb.ft (45 Nm)

1. Install the rear axle assembly.
   Refer to: Axle Assembly (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Removal and Installation).