Manual Transaxle: Differential

2007 Ford Escape Base, 2.3 Z, FWD, AutomaticSECTION Differential
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ends of the differential are supported on tapered roller differential bearings. The cups for these differential bearings are seated in the transaxle case and the flywheel housing. Differential bearing preload is set using a selective differential bearing shim that is installed under the differential bearing cup in the transaxle case.

The differential includes the differential side gears and the shaft mounted differential pinion gears. Direct contact between the gears and the differential case is prevented by the differential side gear thrust washers installed under the gears. The differential pinion shaft is held in position by a differential pinion shaft lock pin that extends through the end of the differential pinion shaft and the differential case.

Fig 1: Locating Tapered Roller Differential Bearings
G04682096Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The speedometer drive gear is also mounted on the differential case. It is located between the tapered roller differential bearing and the differential case. A tab on the speedometer drive gear and a matching slot in the differential case prevent the speedometer drive gear from spinning on the differential case.

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