Ford Explorer: Driveshaft / Removal and Installation - Front Driveshaft

Materials

Removal

All vehicles

1. Remove the transfer case.
   

3.0 and 3.0L EcoBoost - Hybrid

1. Remove Catalytic Converter RH.
   Refer to: Catalytic Converter RH (309-00B Exhaust System - 3.0L EcoBoost, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the fasteners and the heat shield.
   

All vehicles

1. NOTICE: The driveshaft yoke fits tightly on the front axle pinion stem with circlip. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disengage the driveshaft yoke from front axle pinion stem. Pry only in the area shown, to disengage the driveshaft yoke from the front axle pinion stem or damage to the driveshaft yoke and pinion stem can occur.

   NOTE: Care should be taken not to damage the driveshaft splines.

   Use pry tool to disengage circlip that holds the front driveshaft plug-on yoke to the front axle pinion stem.
   

1. Remove the front driveshaft from vehicle.
   

1. Remove and discard the front driveshaft slip yoke boot and clamp.
   Refer to: Front Driveshaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove and discard the front axle pinion stem circlip.
   

1. Remove and discard the front axle pinion stem O-ring.
   

Installation

All vehicles

1. NOTE: Make sure that the mating faces are clean and free of foreign material.

   Clean the debris or contamination of the splines, circlip groove and the surface near the O-ring groove.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure that a new component is installed.

   NOTE: Make sure that the O-ring is seated correctly.

   Install a new front axle pinion stem O-ring.
   

1. NOTICE: The circlip must be side-loaded on to the front axle pinion stem to prevent deformation of the circlip.

   NOTE: Make sure that a new component is installed.

   NOTE: Make sure that the circlip is seated correctly.

   Install the new front axle pinion stem circlip.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not over-lubricate the driveshaft components. Using excessive grease may damage the driveshaft components.

   Lubricate the front driveshaft plug-on yoke splines with grease.
   Material: Slip Yoke Grease / 5L3Z-19A506-A

1. Install the front driveshaft slip yoke boot.
   Refer to: Front Driveshaft Slip Yoke Boot (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Install the front driveshaft to the front axle pinion stem.
   

1. NOTE: Maintain the suitable possible distance between components.

   Ensure the distance between the edge of plug-on yoke and the front axle pinion nut.
   

3.0 and 3.0L EcoBoost - Hybrid

1. Install the heat shield and the fasteners.
   Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)

1. Install Catalytic Converter RH.
   Refer to: Catalytic Converter RH (309-00B Exhaust System - 3.0L EcoBoost, Removal and Installation).
   

All vehicles

1. Install the transfer case.