Explorer Sport Trac 4WD V6-4.0L VIN E (2007)
4. CAUTION: Never use a hammer or install the pinion flange with power tools.
NOTE: Lubricate the pinion flange splines with axle lubricant.
Align the index marks and using the special tool, install the pinion flange.
5. Install the new pinion nut. Only hand-tighten the pinion nut at this time.
6. CAUTION: Do not loosen the pinion nut to reduce pinion bearing preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut if pinion
bearing preload reduction is necessary.
Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the pinion nut to set the pinion bearing preload.
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Tighten the pinion nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent pinion bearing
preload readings by rotating the pinion gear with a Nm torque wrench. The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 inch lbs.) more than the initial
reading taken during removal.
