Mercury 1L2Z-3219-AA Front Axle Shaft

When removing the axle shaft, it is important to ensure that for reassembly you have a special retainer ring/seal installer. First of all, remove the wheel lug nuts, then jack up the car and well settle it on the jackstands then unbolt the wheel concerned. If so remove the hub lock noting that; many later model 4WD cars do not have front locking hubs. Third, unlock the brake caliper and pull it off and disconnect the ABS sensor and set it along with the cables away. On 2000 models with pulse vacuum hubs: 1) Place the snap-ring pliers in the groove which has the plastic retainer ring and remove and discard this ring from the end of the axle shaft. This ring is best removed and replaced whenever it is damaged for it to hold its efficiency and effectiveness to the user. For the 2000 models which are not equipped with pulse vacuum hubs and all the 2001 and later models, first remove and then dispose of the axle shaft/hub nut, and make sure that while reinstalling a new nut is used. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and unbolt the upper control arm balljoint-to-steering knuckle nut and pinch bolt in order to disconnect the upper arm from the knuckle. In order to remove the axle shaft assembly that attach on the steering knuckle to swing out the knuckle till the outer CV joint is compressed to be pulled out. If the splines of the axle shaft are stuck it swinging freely then use a brass hammer or a two jaw puller. After loose, slowly steer the outer CV joint out of the hub. Acceptable tools: prybar, slide hammer with CV joint adapter to remove the inner CV joint assembly from the front differential; do not damage it and suspend the axle with wire to prevent its hanging. Last but not the least, this involves taking out the axle shaft from the vehicle in question. For installation simply work in the reverse order as removal; before that, it will be necessary to replace the retainer ring for 2000 models with Pulse Vacuum Hubs using the special tool to inset the retainer as far as possible until an audible click is heard. Ensure the retainer ring is properly placed in order to avoid leakage and contamination. For 2000 models without Pulse Vacuum Hubs or any 2001 and later model, replace with a new axle shaft/hub nut and tighten to the recommended torque thus ending the installation process.

Before driving out the axle shaft, make sure that you have the special retainer ring/seal installer tool for reassembly. Start with the removal of the wheel lug nuts, lifting of the automobile and positioning it on jackstands before you eliminate the respective wheel. If you have one, remove the hub lock bearing in mind that many modern day 4 wheel drive cars do not have front locking hubs. After that, take off the brake caliper, disconnect the ABS sensor if there is one, and put all of it aside. To remove the snap ring for 1998 and 1999 models, and 2000 models equipped with pulse vacuum hubs, use the snap ring pliers and remove the plastic retainer ring from the end of the axle shaft then discard then install a new one each time to avoid damaging them. On all 2000 models that do not have Pulse Vacuum Hubs and on all vehicles manufactured after 2000, remove the axle shaft / hub nut. You are going to need a large screwdriver or pry bar for this. Hold the axle shaft in place with the screwdriver or pry bar while you unscrew the nut. Place the floor jack securely below the outer end of the lower control arm and unbolt the upper control arm - at the ball joint to the steering knuckle end - nut and the pinch bolt to detach the upper arm from the knuckle, while the jack remains in position. To remove the axle shaft assembly from the steering knuckle, turn the knuckle out and compress the outer cv joint, and pull out the axle shaft assembly; if it is stuck fit in a brass hammer or two-jaw puller. Turning the latter loose, release the outer CV joint out of the hub. To remove the axle, use a prybar or slide hammer with an adapter from the CV joint, and be careful not to damage the inner CV joint assembly; to prevent the axle from falling, sae with wire. Last, but not the least take the axle shaft off from the vehicle. As for installation, reverse the above procedure, and when putting on a new retainer ring make sure it is placed on the installer tool, and slide it onto the splines of the axle shaft and use the seal remover guide to push it in until it clicks. Ensure that the retainer ring sits down properly so as not to produce leaks or contaminate the mixture. New for 2000 models that did not come with Pulse Vacuum Hubs or for any 2001 or newer model, place a new axle shaft/hub nut and torque it to proper specification so as to complete the insertion.

Yes, these noises can often be mistaken for mechanical faults.