Mountaineer 4WD V6-4.0L VIN E (1999)
tight fitting flange.
Align the index marks and install the pinion flange.
17. Install the new nut hand-tight.
18. CAUTION: Do not loosen the nut to reduce preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and nut if preload reduction is necessary.
Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while tightening the nut to set the preload.
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Rotate the pinion occasionally to ensure 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.
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If installing new differential pinion bearings, tighten the nut to specification. Refer to Specifications.
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If installing the original differential pinion bearings, the final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 lb-in) more than the initial reading taken during
disassembly.
19. Install the special tool.