Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual, Page: 811 / 1119

Inspect the nylon bushings on the shift fork and if worn, replace them. 9.
To assemble the shift motor and fork to the cover, proceed as follows:
Lightly lubricate the O−ring on the motor shaft and slide it into the cover until it is fully
seated. 1.
Install the motor shaft−to−cover snapring. 2.
Install the inboard shift fork snapring. 3.
Install the shift fork in the same position as was removed. 4.
Install the outboard shift fork snapring. 5.
10.
Ensure that the locking collar inside the axle assembly slides freely back and forth. Position the
locking collar so that the shift fork will engage it when installing. 11.
Install the center disconnect assembly into the axle housing. Ensure that the shift fork is engaging the
locking collar. 12.
Install and tighten the four cover retaining bolts. 13.
Connect the vacuum fittings and electrical harness plugs to the shift motor assembly. 14.
Ensure that the vehicle is level and check the axle fluid level. Top off the fluid as needed. 15.
Lower the vehicle, road test and check for leaks. 16.
Spindles and Spindle Bearings
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Except Mountaineer, 1995−99 Explorer and 1998−99 Ranger
Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. 1.
Raise and support the vehicle safely. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. 2.
Remove the disc brake calipers and support the caliper on the vehicle's frame rail. 3.
Remove the hub locks and lock nuts. 4.
Remove the hub and rotor. 5.
Remove the nuts retaining the spindle to the steering knuckle. Tap the spindle with a plastic or
rawhide hammer to jar the spindle from the knuckle. 6.
Inspect the needle bearings inside the spindle bore. If worn or damaged, replace as follows:
Place the spindle in a vise on the second step of the spindle. Wrap a shop towel around the
spindle or use a brass−jawed vise to protect the spindle. 1.
Remove the oil seal and needle bearing from the spindle with a slide hammer and seal
remover tool, 1175−AC or equivalent. 2.
Clean all dirt and grease from the spindle bearing bore. Bearing bore must be free from nicks
and burrs. 3.
Place the bearing in the bore with the manufacturer's identification facing outward. Drive the
bearing into the bore using spindle bearing replacer tool, T83T−3123−A and drive handle
T80T−4000−W or equivalent. 4.
Install the grease seal in the bearing bore with the lip side of the seal facing towards the tool.
Drive the seal in the bore using spindle bearing replacer tool, T83T−3123−A and drive handle
T80T−4000−W or equivalent. Coat the bearing seal lip with Multi−Purpose Long Life
Lubricant C1AZ−19590−B or equivalent. 5.
7.
To install:
Inspect the seal on the axle shaft, and if damaged or worn replace it. Refer to front axle shaft removal
& installation procedure in this Section. 8.
Install the splash shield and spindle onto the steering knuckle. Install and tighten the spindle nuts to
35−45 ft. lbs. (47−61Nm). 9.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Spindles and Spindle Bearings 823