Front differential service cannot lower the cover to proceed

2012 FORD F-150
90,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CARY FEMRITE
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I have all bolts off of cover, but cannot lower the cover to proceed. I loosened the wire harness and still cannot lower it. Any suggestions?
Nov 6, 2016 at 8:42 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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it is probably silicone RTV holding it on. put a thin thing like a strong putty knife where arrow is in picture to break it loose then pull it off or put a couple of bolts in top then loosen bottom so fluid will drain. This video shows the job being done on a similar car but the process is the same.

https://youtu.be/ygti8zvpg4M

Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/differential-service

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Nov 6, 2016 at 12:09 PM
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CARY FEMRITE
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It is loose but I can't lower it to ground because of a power steering frame. I loosened the wire harness but still can't lower it
Nov 7, 2016 at 7:03 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
sorry to get the cover off the axle has to be removed. or if you are just replacing fluid you might try putting a jack under it and lowering it. anything that has to be done internally however requires removal of axle except the pinion flange and seal or stub shaft pilot bearing and seal.
Nov 7, 2016 at 8:05 AM
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CARY FEMRITE
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Ok thanks
Nov 7, 2016 at 8:08 AM
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