Removal And Installation: Driveshaft: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- Remove the retainers for the muffler, resonator and tail pipe assembly.
- Disconnect the exhaust hangers.
- Separate and lower the muffler, resonator and tail pipe assembly.
- Remove the heat shield.
- Index-mark the components.
- Remove the 3 flex coupling-to-flange bolt nuts and flex coupling-to-flange bolts.
- Remove the 3 flex coupling-to-flange bolt nuts and flex coupling-to-flange bolts.
- Slide the front shaft assembly rearward.
- Remove the center support bearing bolts, then the driveshaft assembly.
CAUTION:
Only remove the flex couplings from the driveshaft if it is necessary to install new flex coupling/alignment bushings. Install new alignment bushings and flex couplings as a pair. Balance the driveshaft with the flex couplings installed.
CAUTION:
To make sure assembly is in the exact same location, index-mark the bolt, nut, washer, flex coupling and pinion flange with paint or marker. Using a different color paint or marker, index-mark the 2nd bolt, nut and washer that retain the driveshaft and flex coupling to the pinion flange and the transmission flange. Do not index-mark the 3rd bolt, nut and washer that retain the driveshaft and flex coupling to the pinion flange. These fasteners are balance weights. Always assemble them in their original positions. Failure to do so can cause a driveshaft NVH concern.
CAUTION:
Do not remove the flex coupling-to-driveshaft bolts.
NOTE:
The bolt heads are serrated. Hold the bolt and loosen the nut.
CAUTION:
Do not remove the flex coupling-to-driveshaft bolts.
NOTE:
The bolt heads are serrated. Hold the bolt and loosen the nut.
NOTE:
Index-mark the driveshaft on both sides of the slip joint.