Fx4 level 2 pinion bearing replacement?

[03fx4ont]

I have a 2003 ranger fx4 level 2. The rear pinion bearing has a bit of play and has been leaking for some time now. Has anyone ever done one of these? I can't find any info on it, besides a Hayes manual and mitchells online but it's not torsen specific. I have never pulled the gears out of an axle like this so I'm kinda nervous. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Hagan]

The pinion bearing should not "leak". There is a pinion seal that should keep the oil in the axle. And how do you know the bearing needs to be replaced and how you know it has play?

Your going to have to take out the axle shafts, carrier, and then remove the pinion flange. The pinion is pressed onto the bearings and might have to be pressed back out. Your going to have to hammer out the old pinion bearing races too. And you'll need to have the pinion bearing pressed off and on.

Good luck

 

[03fx4ont]

Well the pinion seal leaks, When I wiggle the driveshaft I see the pinion flange move from the axle. I'm not sure if it needs to be replaced. Can I re torque it? Does it use a crush sleeve?

 

[legoms013]

This may help, or it may not:

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Summer2011/pinion_seals.htm

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Well the pinion seal leaks, When I wiggle the driveshaft I see the pinion flange move from the axle. I'm not sure if it needs to be replaced. Can I re torque it? Does it use a crush sleeve?

Usually the pinion bearings go out first and kill the seal so it leaks.

Same rule applies for the axle bearings/seals or just about any other bearing/seal combo.

 

[projectnitemare]

The level 2 rear axle is still an 8.8 like any other ranger as far as the ring and pinion are concerned. If you are unsure what to do or dont have the tools then you may want to leave it up to someone with the experience. If you want to tackle it yourself it really isn't all that bad. You will have to pull the axles and the carrier. Be sure not to mix up the caps and shims. Unbolt the pinion flange and drive the pinion out. You will have to drive new races in the the housing with a punch. As far as the bearings the one closest to the gear will need pressed. If you dont have a press you can carefully cut it with a grinder to split the inner race and slide it off. You can install the new bearing by putting it in the oven at 400 degrees and it will slide on, but be ready with a piece of tube incase it sticks so you can tap it down and dont forget the shim. You may be able to get away with the old crush sleave but a new one is suggested. I could go on forever that is just a condensed description. Its up to you if you are able to do it or leave it to a shop.

Matt

 

[03fx4ont]

Thanks Matt I think ill give it a whirl. Does it use carrier adjustment rings? How do i adjust contact pattern?

 

[03fx4ont]

..when im ready to install the carrier, how do i know its in the right position?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Put everything back the way it came out. If you are just replacing bearings everything will be fine.