Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction — part 449

Fig. 45: Applying Tension To Parking Brake Cable System
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

13. Check the operation of the parking brake.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 BRAKES Parking Brake & Actuation - F150 Pickup

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES

Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Inboard and outboard Constant Velocity (CV) joints connect to a splined shaft. Axle shaft bearing retainer
circlips retain the CV joints to the splined shaft. On the right side, a axle shaft bearing retainer circlip retains the
splined inboard CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a NEW circlip and stop ring, every time you
remove the axle shaft from the vehicle. A axle shaft hub nut secures the splined outboard CV joint to the wheel
hub. The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication.

Handle all axle shaft components carefully during removal and installation and during various component
disassembly and assembly procedures. For exploded view of axle shafts, see Fig. 1 . New axle shaft
components are available as follows:

z

A repair kit includes the boots, clamps, snap ring, retaining ring, and grease.

z

A new inboard CV joint (plunge type).

z

A new outboard CV joint and interconnecting shaft assembly includes the outboard front wheel axle shaft
joint (fixed type), boot, clamps, and the front wheel excluder seal (assembled on the joint).

CAUTION: DO NOT over angle the CV joints. Damage will occur to an assembled

inboard CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing. Never
use a hammer to remove or install the axle shafts. Never use the axle shaft
assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the
free end of the axle shaft. DO NOT allow the CV joint boots to contact
sharp edges or hot exhaust components.

CAUTION: Handle the axle shaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart

and potential damage to the CV joints. DO NOT drop assembled axle
shafts. The impact will cut the CV joint boots from the inside without
evidence of external damage. Keep CV joints clean and maintain correct
grease refill when installing NEW axle shaft components. DO NOT remove
the outer CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft. Inspect all
machined surfaces and splines for damage.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Axle Shaft & CV Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

LUBRICATION

Front hub bearings are a cartridge design and require no scheduled maintenance. CV joint assemblies, use Ford
High Temp Constant Velocity Joint Grease (E43Z-19590-A), or equivalent.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

CLICKING, POPPING OR GRINDING NOISES WHILE TURNING

Inadequate Or Contaminated Lubricant In Inner/Outer Axle Shaft CV Joint

Inspect the boots for indentations ("dimples") in the boot convolutions. Indentations must be removed. Inspect
the boots for evidence of cracks, tears, or splits. Inspect the underbody for any indication of grease splatter near
the boots outboard and inboard locations. This is an indication of boot/clamp damage. Inspect, clean and

NOTE:

New Constant Velocity (CV) joints must not be installed unless disassembly and
inspection reveals unusual wear.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

lubricate inner/outer axle shaft CV joint as necessary.

Another Component Contacting Axle Shaft Assembly

Inspect and repair as necessary.

Brake Components

Inspect, and repair as necessary. See appropriate article in BRAKES.

Wheel Bearings, Suspension Or Steering Components

Inspect and repair wheel bearings, suspension or steering components as necessary. See appropriate FRONT
article in SUSPENSION.

SHUDDER VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION

High CV Joint Operating Angles Caused By Incorrect Ride Height

Check the ride height, and verify the spring rate. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article
under WHEEL ALIGNMENT in SUSPENSION. Repair appropriate suspension component(s) as necessary.
See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION.

Front Suspension Components

Check for worn suspension bushings and component damage. Repair appropriate suspension component(s) as
necessary. See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION.

Excessively Worn Or Damaged Inboard Or Outboard CV Joint

Inspect and install NEW CV joint(s) as necessary. See AXLE SHAFTS under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION.

VIBRATION AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 35 MPH

Out Of Balance Or Out-Of-Round Tires

Balance the wheel and tire assemblies or INSTALL new wheels or tires as necessary

Incorrectly Seated Outboard CV Joint In Front Wheel Hub

Repair or install NEW outboard CV joint or front wheel hub component(s) as necessary. See AXLE SHAFTS
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Lateral & Radial Tire & Wheel Runout

Repair or install NEW tires or wheels as necessary.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)