Leak from Rear Axle Pinion Seal – 2001 Ford Escape

AXLE – FLUID LEAK FROM REAR AXLE PINION SEAL – 4X4 VEHICLES ONLY

 

FORD:

2001 ESCAPE

 

Some 4X4 equipped vehicles may exhibit a rear axle pinion seal leak at the Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC). This may be caused by the design of the pinion seal.

 

ACTION:

Replace the pinion seal at the RBC.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE: THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IS A BALANCED UNIT. IF THE FOLLOWING INDEXING PROCEDURE IS NOT UTILIZED, A VIBRATION MAY OCCUR.

1. Index mark the driveshaft and end yoke before removing.
2. Remove driveshaft.
3. Remove pinion nut.
4. Using a punch, mark one of the splines on the yoke ( Figure 1 ).

Figure 1

 

5. Mark the corresponding spline on the pinion gear ( Figure 2 ).

Figure 2

 

NOTE: A SMALL PUNCH THAT CAN BE INSERTED BETWEEN THE END YOKE SPLINE AND PINION GEAR IS REQUIRED.

6. Remove end yoke.
7. Remove pinion seal.
8. Install new Pinion Seal (YL8Z-4N046-AA) using seal installer tool. SPECIAL TOOL PART NUMBER T80T-4000-C (205-137).
9. Assemble end yoke to pinion gear spline. Align the marks made during disassembly.
10. Install pinion nut and torque to 217-271 N-m (160-200 lb-ft) ( Figure 3 ).

Figure 3

 

11. Assemble driveshaft to end yoke ( Figure 4 ) and torque to 23 N-m (17 lb-ft).

Figure 4

 

PART NUMBER	PART NAME
YL8Z-4N046-AA	Pinion Seal