Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC VIN 1 EFI (1997)
Axle Shaft: Service Precautions
Halfshaft Handling
CAUTION: During the front wheel driveshaft and joint service procedures, use these general guidelines to minimize damage.
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Do not angle a front wheel driveshaft and joint beyond its capacity. The front wheel driveshaft and joint can withstand axial and angular movement
of approximately 20 degrees, in any direction. More than 20 degrees angular movement and the front wheel driveshaft and joint will be damaged.
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Do not allow the front wheel driveshaft and joint to hang from the front wheel driveshaft joint if the front wheel driveshaft and joint is
disconnected from the transaxle or wheel hub. Wire the front wheel driveshaft and joint to a convenient underbody component.
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Do not use an installed front wheel driveshaft and joint as a fulcrum point when attempting to position another component with a prybar.
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Do not allow the front wheel driveshaft joint boots to contact any sharp edges or hot engine exhaust components.
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Never strike a front wheel driveshaft and joint component with a metallic hammer.
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Do not drop an assembled front wheel driveshaft joint. The impact may damage internal components or cut the front wheel driveshaft joint boot.
The front wheel driveshaft joint boot can be cut from the inside without evidence of the damage on the outside.
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Do not damage machined surfaces and splines during disassembly and assembly. Cleanliness is also important when servicing a front wheel
driveshaft and joint.
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Always use the specified lubricant. For outboard front wheel driveshaft joints, use Constant Velocity Joint Grease, or equivalent meeting Ford
specification ESP-M1C187-A. For inboard front wheel driveshaft joints, use High-Temp Constant Velocity Joint Grease, or equivalent meeting
Ford specification ESP-M1C207-A.
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A reassembled front wheel driveshaft joint may be damaged if it is over-plunged outward from the outer race.
