Front driveaxles (4WD models) — removal and installation Ford F150
Removal
1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then remove the wheel. Remove the dust cap from the hub/wheel bearing.
2. Remove the driveaxle/hub nut from the axle and discard it. Obtain a new one for installation.
3. Remove the brake disc (see Brakes).
4. Disconnect the vent and vacuum lines from the Integrated Wheel End (IWE), then remove the fasteners securing the IWE to the steering knuckle.
Note: The IWE is the device bolted to the steering knuckle that couples the driveaxles to the wheel hub when 4WD mode is engaged.
5. Remove the ABS sensor and bracket (see Brakes).
6. Remove the flexible brake hose bracket.
7. Remove the three IWE bolts.
8. Separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle (see Suspension and steering systems).
9. Separate the upper control arm from the steering knuckle (see Suspension and steering systems).
10. Swing the steering knuckle/hub assembly out (away from the vehicle) until the end of the driveaxle is free of the hub.
11. Support the outer end of the driveaxle with a piece of wire to avoid unnecessary strain on the inner CV joint.
12. Remove the integrated wheel end (IWE) from the driveaxle outboard end.
13. Carefully pry the inner CV joint out of the differential or off of the axle shaft, as applicable.
14. Remove the driveaxle from the vehicle.
Installation
15. Install the integrated wheel end on the driveaxle outboard end.
16. Apply 24 inches of vacuum to the vacuum supply port (the large port) of the IWE and hold the vacuum in that position until the bolts are tightened.
17. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal, with the following points:
- The upper balljoint-to-steering knuckle nut and the tie-rod end nut should not be reused. New ones should always be used. Be sure to tighten them to the torque listed in the Suspension and steering systems Specifications.
- Tighten the integrated wheel end fasteners and the driveaxle/hub nut to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications). Be sure to use a new driveaxle/hub nut.
- Connect the vent and vacuum lines for the integrated wheel end (IWE).
- Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.