Cougar/XR7 V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Seals and Gaskets: Service and Repair
Pinion Seal
Drive Pinion Nut
CAUTION: Removing the pinion nut disturbs pinion bearing preload. Be sure to follow the correct procedure for setting the bearing preload when the
nut is installed.
On some high-mileage units, oil may leak past the threads of the pinion nut. Correct the condition by installing a new nut or removing the nut and
applying Pipe Sealant With Teflon D8AZ-19554-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G350-A2 and ESR-M18P7-A on the threads and
nut face.
Seal
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When the rear axle drive pinion seal leaks, it may be that it was not installed properly, or because of rough texture or damage on the seal journal
surface.
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Any damage to the seal bore (dings, dents, gouges or other imperfections) will distort the seal casing and allow leakage past the outer edge of the
rear axle drive pinion seal.
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The rear axle drive pinion seal can be torn, cut or gouged if it is not installed carefully with the correct service tool. The spring that holds the rear
axle drive pinion seal against the rear axle universal joint flange may be knocked out and allow leakage past the lip.
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The rubber lips can occasionally become hard (like plastic) with cracks at the oil lip contact point. The contact point on the rear axle universal
joint flange is usually black, indicating excessive heat. Marks, nicks, gouges or rough surface texture on the seal journal of the rear axle universal
joint flange will also cause leaks. Excessive lip wear will be noted. The rear axle universal joint flange should be replaced if any of these
conditions exist.
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Metal chips or sand trapped at the sealing lip may also cause oil leaks. This can cause a wear groove on the rear axle universal joint flange seal lip
wear.
Removal
CAUTION: This operation disturbs the pinion bearing preload, and this preload must be carefully reset when assembling.
NOTE: Replacement of rear axle drive pinion seal involves removal and installation of only the pinion nut and rear axle universal joint flange.
1. Raise vehicle on a frame contact hoist.
2. Place a screw-type jackstand under rear axle housing. Remove rear axle differential rear insulator to axle housing cover retaining bolts and nuts.
NOTE: This will allow the rear axle housing to pivot forward.
