Rear axle stuck

Nothing else should stop that axle from being pushed in. It's possible the axle is grooved and the bearings are sticking in the groove. Just hit the axle with a small sledge hammer. This video with show you how the differentials are very similar.

https://youtu.be/zarxKsspr3s

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

There's no magic trick to getting this done. It has to come out one way or the other. Pull the axle out as far as you can and see if you can get the seal lined back up with a screwdriver

First, there is a tech bulliten on these axles have a look, if you dont use the new part numbers, you will do the work again.
AXLE - REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR AXLE BEARING PREMATURE WEAR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 03-5-5, Â Date of Issue: Â March 17, 2003 Superceded Bulletin(s): 02-25-3, Â Date of Issue: Â December 23, 2002 Related Ref Number(s): 02-25-3, 03-5-5 ARTICLE BEGINNING DESCRIPTION AXLE - REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR AXLE BEARING PREMATURE WEAR - VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 1/1/2003 ONLY ISSUE Some 2003 Town Car (except Limo and Hearse chassis), Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis vehicles produced before 1/1/2003, may exhibit rear axle shaft and/or axle bearing premature wear. This is caused by excessive load, temperature, and inadequate lubrication. ACTION To service, install Rear Axle Bearing Service Kit, Part Number 3W1Z-4A109-AA. Refer to the instruction sheet included with the service kit. PARTS INFORMATION PARTS INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage. WARRANTY INFORMATION FORD: 2003 Crown Victoria LINCOLN: 2003 Town Car MERCURY: 2003 Grand Marquis NOTE: This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin 02-25-3 dated December 23, 2002. Article 02-25-3 is being republished in its entirety to update the model line coverage. Part Number Part Name 3W1Z-4A109-AA Rear Axle Bearing Service Kit Operation Description Time 030505A Install Axle Bearing Service Kit 1.5 Hrs. Page 1 of 2 AXLE - REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR AXLE BEARING PREMATURE WEAR -200... 3/14/2009 Check your production date to see if it appies to yours,

Of course you need to pull that center pin the pull the spring out. Use the friction modifier with the new oil.

That is something that you need to ask one of the junkyards. They are the only ones that have the interchange books that tell you that.

Is this a true problem? You have noises, the wheel IS about to fall off, and the wheel is shaking. Do any of those things sound normal? You avoided a serious crash so consider yourself very fortunate. Noises with the steering and suspension systems must never be ignored, but that is especially true with Ford products. They have more crashes due to parts separating than all other manufacturers combined. When that happens at highway speed, the question is will the vehicle head into the trees or oncoming traffic? Most Ford owners have their vehicles inspected yearly at a tire and alignment shop. In addition, two weeks is WAY too long to wait when you hear an unusual noise. Ford was famous for building some really dangerous cars. The Crown Vic is not one of them, but they should still be inspected periodically.

There are also legal ramifications to ignoring noises. If you had caused a crash that caused property damage or injury to someone, the lawyers would make a huge deal out of knowingly driving an unsafe car. We've also heard of cases where insurance companies refuse to pay damages when drunken driving, willful misconduct, and ignoring defects or causing unsafe conditions. They state in their policies that those are things they have no control over but car owners do. In our sue-happy society, you don't want to be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In this case the fact you noticed the wheel leaning at an unusual angle was the glaring clue. Most likely the lower ball joint came apart. That is one of the parts that holds the wheel in proper alignment. Your car is rear-wheel-drive so there's no axle shaft to come apart, at least as we normally think of a half-shaft on a front-wheel-drive car. Depending on how knowledgeable your friend is, the bearings on the front spindle could have come apart. That's not real common but it would allow the wheel to lean in on top. That is considered the axle, and is a less costly repair than ball joints.

Most likely you'll need a tow truck to get the car to a repair shop. If it's still drivable, go very slowly. Depending on what is wrong, it will usually adversely affect the braking system too so you could cause additional damage and / or need a longer distance to stop.

Hi there,

just jack up the drive wheels and turn one by hand, if the other turns in the same direction it is fitted with a LSD diff, if the opposite wheel turns in the other direction it is a conventional diff.

Mark (mhpautos)