Ford Explorer: Front Drive Halfshafts / Removal and Installation - Halfshaft

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

	204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Installer, Halfshaft TKIT-1997-LM2 TKIT-1997-F/FM2 TKIT-1997-FLM2
	205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Remover, Front Wheel Hub

Removal

NOTICE: 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: LH side shown, RH side similar.

1. Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 1. Remove the pin-type retainer.
      
   2. Remove the bolts and the radiator air deflector.
      
   3. Remove the bolts.
      
   4. Remove the retainers and the engine undershield.
      

1. Remove the wheel speed sensor bolt on the wheel knuckle and position aside.
   

1. Remove bolt and position the front brake hose aside.
   

1. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
   

1. NOTE: Two different styles of lower strut-to-wheel knuckle bolts are available: with and without splines. Bolts without splines are used to adjust camber and should be installed when the strut, knuckle, or subframe have been replaced or if the subframe or either lower arm to subframe bolts have been loosened.

   1. Remove and discard the lower strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.
      
   2. Separate the wheel knuckle from the front strut and spring assembly.
      

1. Install the special tool and press the halfshaft from the front wheel bearing and wheel hub.
   Use Suggested Tool: 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B)  Remover, Front Wheel Hub. Tool shown or a commercially available equivalent can be used.

1. NOTE: Do not pull on the halfshaft. Pull or pry on the inner CV housing only or damage may occur.

   Remove the halfshaft.
   

1. NOTE: LH halfshaft.

   1. Remove and discard the halfshaft retaining circlip.
      
   2. Remove and discard the O-ring.
      

1. NOTE: RH halfshaft.

   Remove and discard the halfshaft retaining circlip.
   

1. Remove and Install a new RH Halfshaft seal.
   Refer to: Axle Shaft Seal (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, Removal and Installation).
   

Installation

NOTICE: Verify the spline engagement by checking for spline lash before installing the halfshaft nut or component damage may occur.

1. Clean and inspect the outer CV housing at the shown locations.
   

1. NOTE: RH side shown LH side similar.

   Clean and inspect the inner CV housing at the shown locations.
   

1. NOTE: LH halfshaft.

   1. Install and lubricate the O-ring.
      Refer to: Specifications (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, Specifications).
      
   2. Install the new halfshaft retaining circlip.
      

1. NOTE: RH halfshaft.

   Install the new halfshaft retaining circlip.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure that the circlip opening is located at the bottom or 6 o'clock position to allow easy halfshaft installation.

   NOTE: Insert shaft until circlip is fully seated. When checking if circlip is seated do not pull on CV joints or damage can result.

   NOTE: Pull on the inner CV joint to ensure the halfshaft circlip is seated properly.

   Insert the halfshaft until the halfshaft retaining clip is fully seated.
   

1. Using special tool, pull the halfshaft into the front wheel bearing and wheel hub.
   Use Suggested Tool: 204-161 (T97P-1175-A)  Installer, Halfshaft. Tool shown or a commercially available equivalent can be used. , 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B)  Remover, Front Wheel Hub. Tool shown or a commercially available equivalent can be used.

1. NOTE: Two different styles of lower strut-to-wheel knuckle bolts are available: with and without splines. Bolts without splines are used to adjust camber and should be installed when the strut, knuckle, or subframe have been replaced or if the subframe or either lower arm to subframe bolts have been loosened.

   1. Position the wheel knuckle into the front strut and spring assembly.
      
   2. Install the new lower strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.
      Torque: 166 lb.ft (225 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

   NOTICE: Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification in a continuous rotation. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightened to specification in a continuous rotation or damage to the components may occur.

   NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

   While an assistant applies the brake, install the new wheel hub nut.
   Torque: 221 lb.ft (300 Nm)

1. Install the wheel speed sensor and tighten the bolt.
   Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

1. Install the front brake hose and tighten the bolt.
   Torque: 133 lb.in (15 Nm)

1. If the RH halfshaft is removed.
   Check the front differential fluid level.
   Refer to: Differential Fluid Level Check (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, General Procedures).
   

1. 1. Position the engine undershield and install the pin-type retainer.
      
   2. Install the bolts.
      Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)
   3. Install the radiator air deflector and the bolts.
      Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)
   4. Install the radiator air deflector retainers.
      

1. Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. If lower strut-to-wheel knuckle bolts without splines were installed, adjust front camber.
   Refer to: Front Camber and Caster Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).