Mountaineer AWD V8-4.6L SOHC VIN W (2002)
4. CAUTION: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools.
NOTE: Lubricate the pinion flange splines.
Align the index marks. Using the special tool, install the pinion flange.
5. Install the washer and a new pinion nut. Only hand-tighten the nut at this time.
6. CAUTION: Do not loosen the nut to reduce preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and nut if preload reduction is necessary.
Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the nut to set the preload.
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Tighten the nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the differential pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent differential
pinion bearing preload readings by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench. The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 inch lbs.)
more than the initial reading taken during removal.
