Ford Escape: Rear Drive Axle/Differential / Removal and Installation - Axle Assembly

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation instructions.

1. Remove the rear halfshafts.
   Refer to: Rear Halfshaft (205-05 Rear Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the fuel tank.
   Refer to: Fuel Tank - FWD (310-01A Fuel Tank and Lines - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) – I3 (Y1), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Fuel Tank - 4WD (310-01A Fuel Tank and Lines - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) – I3 (Y1), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Fuel Tank (310-01B Fuel Tank and Lines - 2.0L EcoBoost (177kW/240PS) – MI4, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Fuel Tank (310-01C Fuel Tank and Lines, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Disconnect the RDU actuator motor electrical connector and detach wiring harness retainer.
   

1. Disconnect the RDU speed sensor electrical connector and detach wiring harness retainer.
   

1. 1. Remove the rear differential vent hose from RDU and position aside.
      
   2. Remove the bolt and position the ground cable aside.
      Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

1. Position a transmission jack and wooden block to secure the RDU .
   Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block

1. Remove the front RDU mounting bolts and the RDU protection shield.
   Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block
   Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. Remove the rear RDU mounting bolt.
   Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. Lower the transmission jack and remove the rear axle assembly.
   Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

Installation

1. NOTE: Ensure that the subframe bushing anti-rotation tabs are engaged inside the slots on the RDU mounting bracket.

   Check the position of the RDU and subframe bushing anti-rotation tabs as shown.
   

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Check the differential fluid level.
   Refer to: Differential Fluid Level Check (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTICE: If replacing the axle assembly, the AWD control module will need to be reconfigured with the new RDU bar code information. If the new bar code information does not match the existing AWD control module information, driveline damage or driveability concerns can occur.

   NOTE: Using the diagnostic scan tool, carry out the rear drive unit calibration routine.

   NOTE: The 16/17 -digit alpha numeric bar code is located on the label attached to the RDU . Using the scan tool, configure RDU bar code to AWD module through the OBD port.