Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Ford Windstar BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Final Drive: Assembly
NOTE:
If excessive wobble or rotational binding or damage is found a new final drive planet and carrier will need to be installed.
- Inspect the differential pinion and side gears for looseness, discoloration, cracks or excessive gear wear.
- Inspect the final drive planet gears.
- Inspect the pinion shaft bores.
- Install the differential side gear and differential side gear thrust washer.
- Install the differential side gear and differential side gear thrust washer.
- Install the output shaft.
- Install the retaining ring.
- Install the differential side gear and differential side gear thrust washer.
- Install the differential pinion gears, and differential pinion thrust washers.
- Install the differential pinion shaft.
- Install the differential pinion shaft roll pin.
- Install the final drive sun gear and deflector assembly.
- Install the park gear.
- Install the No. 16 final drive gear front thrust bearing.
- Install new retaining circle clips.
- Install the low intermediate clutch piston and rear planet support.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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