How to replace the rear axle shaft 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Chapter 1:

Set up

Step 1/2

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/2

Pull on the hood release handle and open the hood. Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Chapter 2:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/2

Loosen the Wheel lug nuts on the rear wheels. Lift the rear of your vehicle.

Chapter 2:

Step 2/2

Place the vehicle on the jack stands. Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 3:

Remove the rear brake system

Step 1/1

Now you need to remove the brake system.

Chapter 4:

Informations

Step 1/2

You now have access to part of your rear axle shaft.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

In order to remove the rear axle shaft, you need to disengage it from the differential.

Chapter 5:

Bleed the differential fluid

Step 1/4

Place a fluid collection tray under the differential to catch the differential fluid that will flow out.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/4

Using a ratchet and a 10-mm socket, unscrew the 10 bolts holding the differential cover.

Chapter 5:

Step 3/4

Then, using a flathead screwdriver, pry along the edge of the differential to remove the differential cover.

Chapter 5:

Step 4/4

Let the fluid flow out for about 10 minutes.

Chapter 6:

Disengage the rear axle shaft from the differential

Step 1/8

Set the gear shift lever to “Neutral” so that you can easily turn the differential and access the pinion shaft lock bolt.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/8

Using an 8-mm wrench, unscrew the lock bolt from the pinion shaft. Then, remove it.

Chapter 6:

Step 3/8

You can now extract the pinion shaft by pushing it outward.

Chapter 6:

Step 4/8

You can reinsert the lock bolt to more easily remove the pinion shaft by jiggling it back and forth.

Chapter 6:

Step 5/8

Rotate the differential to access the retaining clip.

Chapter 6:

Step 6/8

You need to push the rear axle shaft toward the differential in order to have full access to the retaining clip.

Chapter 6:

Step 7/8

To remove the retaining clip, you can use a hex wrench to take it off the rear axle shaft.

Chapter 6:

Step 8/8

You can now remove the rear axle shaft.

Chapter 7:

Tips

Step 1/1

When you perform this operation, you can take the opportunity to change the outer seals and bearings, which are often subject to leakage.

Chapter 8:

Put the rear axle shaft back

Step 1/7

Take the new rear axle shaft and insert it all the way into its slot.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/7

Replace the retaining clip.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/7

Then, push the rear axle shaft outward so that the pinion shaft can be inserted.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/7

Rotate the differential to replace the pinion shaft.

Chapter 8:

Step 5/7

Reinsert the pinion shaft.

Chapter 8:

Step 6/7

Then, put the lock bolt back in place, first by hand, then with the 8-mm wrench.

Chapter 8:

Step 7/7

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 9:

Clean the differential surface

Step 1/4

Before replacing the differential cover, you need to clean the seal surface to ensure a perfect seal.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/4

Remove the used seal with a razor blade. Then, scrub with fine sandpaper.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/4

Finish with brake cleaner and wipe with a paper towel.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/4

Repeat the same operations on the differential cover.

Chapter 10:

Close the differential

Step 1/3

Once perfectly clean, thinly apply silicone gasket maker in order to ensure a perfect seal on the differential.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

Replace the differential cover, first tightening the bolts by hand until they are finger-tight.

Chapter 10:

Step 3/3

Finish tightening the bolts in staggered order using a torque wrench.

Chapter 11:

Add diferential fluid

Step 1/2

Now you need to add fluid back into the differential.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

This step must be done with care and precision.

Chapter 12:

Put the rear brake system back

Step 1/1

Replace the brake system.

Chapter 13:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/2

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Chapter 13:

Step 2/2

Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly.

Chapter 14:

Safety tips

Step 1/4

Don’t forget to screw the brake fluid cap back on before starting the car.

Chapter 14:

Step 2/4

Attention! Before using your vehicle again, start your car, and pump the brake pedal a few times to push the brake pads together again.

Chapter 14:

Step 3/4

Try to drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking for the first 30 miles or so, to avoid glazing the new pads.

Chapter 14:

Step 4/4

Operation complete.