How to Remove a Mustang Axle
The Mustang has used four different types of differentials, each considered to be quite durable. Inserted into each side of the differential is a single, semi-floating hypoid gear axle. The differential itself consists of two gears and several seals and bearings. If the differential requires attention, the axle shafts must be removed before the differential's carrier can be removed for service. Fortunately, no matter which type of differential the Mustang is equipped with, the removal process is identical and straightforward.
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Instructions
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Park the Mustang on level ground, then chock both front tires with wheel chocks.
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Loosen the lug nuts for the rear tires with a lug nut wrench, then lift the back of the car with a jack and lower the vehicle onto jack stands.
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Remove the loosened lug nuts and lift the wheels off of the axle shafts.
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4
Disengage the parking brake, then pull the brake drum off of the brake assembly to reveal the axle shaft.
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Remove each of the axle shaft's four securing bolts with a socket wrench. Each securing bolt is located just behind the axle shaft's flange, meaning the tip of the axle shaft that the wheel mounts to. A single circle has been cut into the face of the flange. This circle is an access point for a socket wrench. Insert the socket wrench through the circle and onto one of the shaft's four securing bolts. Remove the bolt, then rotate the flange until the circle aligns with the next securing bolt. Remove that bolt, and repeat the process for the remaining two bolts.
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Grasp the opposite sides of the axle shaft's flange, then pull the flange away from the vehicle. The axle shaft should slide out of the differential. If the shaft does not pull out, install the roadwheel onto the flange with only two of the wheel's lug nuts. The two lug nuts should be installed opposite each other. Grasp the edges of the tire and pull the tire away from the vehicle until the axle shaft disengages from the differential.
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References
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