Differential Cover: Service and Repair

2012 Ford Edge AWD V6-3.7LSECTION Service and Repair



Differential Housing Cover













Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

2. Remove the 10 bolts and the differential housing cover.
- Drain the differential fluid from the housing.






Installation

1. NOTICE: Make sure the machined surfaces on the rear axle housing and the differential housing cover are clean and free of oil before installing the new silicone rubber. The inside of the rear axle must be covered when cleaning the machined surface to prevent damage to the component.

NOTE: Make sure the differential vent located on the rear cover is free of obstruction.
Clean the gasket mating surfaces of the differential housing and the differential housing cover.


2. NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone rubber, or new silicone rubber must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone rubber has correctly cured.
Apply a continuous bead of clear silicone rubber as shown in the illustration.






3. Install the differential housing cover and the 10 bolts.
- Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).


4. Remove the filler plug, fill the rear axle with 1.15L (2.43 pt) of rear axle lubricant, 3-5 mm (0.118-0.196 in) below the bottom of the filler hole and install the filler plug.
- Tighten to 29 Nm (21 lb-ft).

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.