Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

2012 Ford Flex AWD V6-3.5LSECTION Service and Repair



Axle Assembly













Removal

1. Remove the driveshaft assembly.

2. Remove the rear halfshafts.

3. Remove the stabilizer bar.

4. Position a suitable transmission hydraulic jack to the axle housing.
- Securely strap the jack to the housing.


5. Remove the 4 differential housing-to-front insulator bracket bolts.

6. Remove the 6 side insulator bracket-to-rear axle differential bolts.

7. Lower the axle to gain clearance to the Active Torque Coupling (ATC) electrical connector and disconnect the connector.

8. Remove the axle assembly.

Installation

1. NOTICE: If replacing the axle assembly, the 4X4 control module will need to be reconfigured with the new Active Torque Coupling (ATC) bar code information. If the new bar code information does not match the existing 4X4 control module information, driveline damage or driveability concerns can occur.

NOTE: The ATC (Active Torque Coupling) bar code can be found etched on the ATC (Active Torque Coupling) wire harness connector of the new axle assembly.

Record the bar code identification number from the new axle assemblies wire harness connector.






2. Position the axle housing on a suitable transmission hydraulic jack.
- Securely strap the jack to the housing.


3. Raise the axle and connect the ATC (Active Torque Coupling) electrical connector.

4. Install the 6 side insulator bracket-to-rear axle differential bolts.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).


5. Install the 4 differential housing-to-front insulator bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).


6. Install the stabilizer bar.

7. Install the rear halfshafts.

8. Install the driveshaft assembly.

9. Using the scan tool, program the 4-digit bar code information retrieved from the new axle assembly harness connector into the 4X4 control module using the ATC (Active Torque Coupling) Bar Code Entry service function.
- The scan tool will verify that the numbers entered are valid and display a message if the information is not correct.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.