Ford Escape: Rear Drive Axle/Differential / Description and Operation - Rear Drive Axle and Differential - Overview
The RDU is available with 2.58 drive ratio.
Rear Drive Axle and Differential
The rear drive axle and differential unit (RDU ) is a cast aluminum
differential assembly located in the rear of the vehicle consisting of
the following components:
-
Crown wheel and pinion
-
An electrically activated and mechanically engaged
clutch pack acting on the rear drive axles, that applies or removes
torque from the RDU to the rear axles when commanded
When commanded by the AWD the RDU
Clutch synchronizes the drive shaft speed with the rear wheel speed
and allows drive torque from the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) to be fed to
the rear axles.
The RDU system consists of the following components:
-
RDU actuator motor
-
Spur and idler gear
-
Ball ramp drive plate
-
Ball ramp driven plate
-
Drive shaft coupling (Plunge style joint companion flange)
-
Drive shaft speed sensor
-
Rear differential carrier and inner or outer covers
-
Differential case assembly
-
Intermediate shaft (splined to clutch discs)
-
Multi-plate clutch pack
-
Clutch pack housing (splined to clutch plates)
-
Hypoid gears
-
Left and right output seals
System Operation
System Diagram
Item
Description
1
Drive Mode
2
PCM
3
ABS
4
Accelerator Pedal Position
5
BCM
6
Ignition Status
7
GWM
8
AWD
9
Speed / Position sensor
10
Actuator motor
11
Steering Wheel Angle
12
Vehicle Acceleration
13
Wheel Speed
14
RDU
R..
Other information:
Make sure the oil in the crankcase is of the correct
viscosity and at the correct level and that the battery is correctly
charged. Operate the vehicle until the engine is at normal operating
temperature. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Remove the spark plugs. For additional information, refer to: Spark
Plugs (303-07A Engine Ignition - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) â..
Special Tool(s) /
General Equipment
Interior Trim Remover
Removal
NOTE:
Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.
NOTE:
LH door shown, RH door similar.
NOTE:
Do not use excessive force when removing retainers, to avoid damage to moulding.
Using a non-marring trim tool, disengage the retainers attaching moulding to the door.
Use the Ge..