Ford Escape Quiz
Chassis

Removal and Installation - Front Axle Shaft, LH

In this manual: Chassis
General Information — 26Chassis — 160Powertrain — 323Electrical — 356Body and Paint — 290
22steps
~142min
5/5difficulty
2special tools
0408012016020011081N·mlb·ft
Tightening torque found on this page
Done 0 of 22

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

204-161 (T97P-1175-A)
Installer, Axle Shaft
TKIT-1997-LM2
TKIT-1997-F/FM2
TKIT-1997-FLM2
205-D070 (D93P-1175-B)
Remover, Front Wheel Hub
Puller, Front Wheel Hub
Tie Rod End Remover

Removal

  1. Remove the wheel and tire.
    Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
  2. Remove the clips and the underbody shield.
  3. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
    1. Remove the bolt and set the brake hose aside.
    1. Disconnect the 2 wire retainers and set the wheel speed sensor harness aside.

  5. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle, as damage to the steering knuckle may occur.

    NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod end separator, otherwise damage to the tie rod end boot may occur.

    Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the axle shaft.
    Use common equipment: tie rod end remover.

  6. NOTICE: Do not use a pry bar to open the slot in the steering knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle assembly. Damage to the steering knuckle assembly may occur.

    NOTICE: Do not use a pry bar or separator fork between the ball joint and steering knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur. Use a pry bar only by inserting it into the lower arm housing hole.

    NOTICE: Be careful when releasing the lower arm and steering knuckle, or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

    NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outer nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

    Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the lower arm from the steering knuckle.

  7. NOTICE: Do not bend the inboard joint more than 18 degrees or the outboard joint more than 45 degrees. Shaft damage will occur.

    Using the special tool, press the axle shaft out of the wheel bearing and hub. Support the axle shaft in a horizontal position.
    Use special service tool: 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Remover, Front Wheel Hub.
  8. Remove the axle shaft.
  9. Remove and discard the axle shaft retaining ring.

Installation

  1. Clean and inspect the outboard CV housing.
  2. Clean and inspect the inboard CV housing.
  3. Install a new inner axle shaft retaining ring.
  4. Replace the axle seal.
    Refer to: Left Axle Seal (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission - 8F35/8F40, Removal and Installation).
    Refer to: Left Axle Seal (307-01B Automatic Transmission - Automatic Transmission - HF45, Removal and Installation).
    Refer to: Left Axle Seal (307-01B Automatic Transmission - Automatic Transmission - HF45, Removal and Installation).
  5. Insert the halfshaft until the halfshaft retainer clip is fully seated.
  6. Press the halfshaft into the front wheel bearing and hub.
    Use the special service tool: 204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Installer, Halfshaft.

  7. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outer nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

    Position the ball joint in the steering knuckle and install a new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
    Torque: 81 lb-ft (110 N·m)

  8. NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod end separator, otherwise damage to the tie rod end boot may occur.

    Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install a new tie rod end nut.
    Torque: 35 lb-ft (48 N·m)
    1. Position the brake hose and install the bolt.
      Torque: 97 lb-in (11 N·m)
    1. Position the wheel speed sensor wire harness and snap the 2 wire retainers into place.

  10. 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. Damage to the wheel bearing will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded by the weight of the vehicle.

    NOTICE: Install and tighten a new wheel hub nut to specification in one continuous motion. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or tightening out of specification, as continuous rotation or component damage may occur.

    While an assistant depresses the brake pedal, install a new wheel hub nut.
    Torque:
    Stage 1: 74 lb-ft (100 N·m)
    Stage 2: 60°
  11. Check the transmission fluid level.
    Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission - 8F35/8F40, General Procedures).
    Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check (307-01B Automatic Transmission - Automatic Transmission - HF45, General Procedures).
    Refer to: Transmission Fluid Level Check (307-01B Automatic Transmission - Automatic Transmission - HF45, General Procedures).
  12. Install the belly pan and tighten the fasteners.
    Torque: 13 lb-in (1.5 N·m)
  13. Install the wheel and tire.
    Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).

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