Rear Driveshaft - Removal and Installation

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

Removal

1. 1
   Remove the muffler and exhaust pipe.
   Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00A Exhaust System - 1.5 L EcoBoost (118 kW/160 L PS) - I4, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00C Exhaust System - 2.5 L Duratec (125 kW/170 L PS), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00D Exhaust System - 2.7 L EcoBoost (238 kW/324 L PS), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00B Exhaust System - 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L PS) - MI4, Removal and Installation).
2. 2
   If equipped.
   Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.

   

3. 3
   If equipped.
   Remove the retainers and the front air deflectors.

   

4. 4
   Remove and discard the driveshaft-to-PTU bolts and the retaining clamps.
   Torque: 26 lb-ft (35 N·m)

   

5. 5
   
   Separate the driveshaft from the PTU flange.
   

   1. Mark the driveshaft and PTU flange with an alignment mark.

   2. NOTICE: Do not remove the driveshaft from the PTU flange by pulling on the driveshaft tube. This may damage the CV joint.

      Using common equipment, separate the driveshaft from the PTU flange.
      Use common equipment: hammer
      Use common equipment: copper hammer.

   3. Remove the driveshaft from the PTU flange.

   

6. 6
   
   Separate the driveshaft from the drive pinion flange.
   

   1. Remove and discard the driveshaft-to-RDU bolts and the retaining clamps.
      Torque: 26 lb-ft (35 N·m)

   2. Mark the driveshaft and RDU flange with an alignment mark.

   3. NOTICE: Do not remove the driveshaft from the pinion flange by pulling on the axle shaft tube. This may cause damage to the CV joint.

      Using common shop equipment, separate the driveshaft from the pinion flange.
      Use common shop equipment: flat-blade screwdriver.

   

7. 7

   NOTICE: Do not bend the driveshaft, as this may damage it.

   NOTICE: The driveshaft is long and heavy with multiple U-joints. Assistance will be required. Do not overextend the driveshaft or damage may occur.

   1. Remove and discard the rear center bearing bracket bolts.
      Torque: 22 lb-ft (30 N·m)

   2. Remove and discard the front center bearing bracket bolts.
      Torque: 41 lb-ft (55 N·m)

   3. With an assistant, remove the driveshaft.

   

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.