Ford F150 Pickup. Manual - part 449

Fig. 45: Applying Tension To Parking Brake Cable System
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

13. Check the operation of the parking brake. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 BRAKES Parking Brake & Actuation - F150 Pickup

  

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES

Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD) 

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION 

Inboard and outboard Constant Velocity (CV) joints connect to a splined shaft. Axle shaft bearing retainer 
circlips retain the CV joints to the splined shaft. On the right side, a axle shaft bearing retainer circlip retains the 
splined inboard CV joint to the differential side gear. Install a NEW circlip and stop ring, every time you 
remove the axle shaft from the vehicle. A axle shaft hub nut secures the splined outboard CV joint to the wheel 
hub. The lubed-for-life CV joints use special CV joint grease. They require no periodic lubrication. 

Handle all axle shaft components carefully during removal and installation and during various component 
disassembly and assembly procedures. For exploded view of axle shafts, see Fig. 1 . New axle shaft 
components are available as follows:  

z

A repair kit includes the boots, clamps, snap ring, retaining ring, and grease.  

z

A new inboard CV joint (plunge type).  

z

A new outboard CV joint and interconnecting shaft assembly includes the outboard front wheel axle shaft 
joint (fixed type), boot, clamps, and the front wheel excluder seal (assembled on the joint). 

CAUTION: DO NOT over angle the CV joints. Damage will occur to an assembled 

inboard CV joint if it is over-plunged outward from the joint housing. Never 
use a hammer to remove or install the axle shafts. Never use the axle shaft 
assembly as a lever to position other components. Always support the 
free end of the axle shaft. DO NOT allow the CV joint boots to contact 
sharp edges or hot exhaust components.

CAUTION: Handle the axle shaft only by the interconnecting shaft to avoid pull-apart 

and potential damage to the CV joints. DO NOT drop assembled axle 
shafts. The impact will cut the CV joint boots from the inside without 
evidence of external damage. Keep CV joints clean and maintain correct 
grease refill when installing NEW axle shaft components. DO NOT remove 
the outer CV joint by pulling on the interconnecting shaft. Inspect all 
machined surfaces and splines for damage.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

  

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

  

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Axle Shaft & CV Joint 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

LUBRICATION 

Front hub bearings are a cartridge design and require no scheduled maintenance. CV joint assemblies, use Ford 
High Temp Constant Velocity Joint Grease (E43Z-19590-A), or equivalent. 

TROUBLE SHOOTING 

CLICKING, POPPING OR GRINDING NOISES WHILE TURNING 

Inadequate Or Contaminated Lubricant In Inner/Outer Axle Shaft CV Joint 

Inspect the boots for indentations ("dimples") in the boot convolutions. Indentations must be removed. Inspect 
the boots for evidence of cracks, tears, or splits. Inspect the underbody for any indication of grease splatter near 
the boots outboard and inboard locations. This is an indication of boot/clamp damage. Inspect, clean and 

NOTE:

New Constant Velocity (CV) joints must not be installed unless disassembly and 
inspection reveals unusual wear.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)

  

lubricate inner/outer axle shaft CV joint as necessary.

Another Component Contacting Axle Shaft Assembly 

Inspect and repair as necessary. 

Brake Components 

Inspect, and repair as necessary. See appropriate article in BRAKES. 

Wheel Bearings, Suspension Or Steering Components 

Inspect and repair wheel bearings, suspension or steering components as necessary. See appropriate FRONT 
article in SUSPENSION. 

SHUDDER VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION 

High CV Joint Operating Angles Caused By Incorrect Ride Height 

Check the ride height, and verify the spring rate. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article 
under WHEEL ALIGNMENT in SUSPENSION. Repair appropriate suspension component(s) as necessary. 
See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION. 

Front Suspension Components 

Check for worn suspension bushings and component damage. Repair appropriate suspension component(s) as 
necessary. See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION. 

Excessively Worn Or Damaged Inboard Or Outboard CV Joint 

Inspect and install NEW CV joint(s) as necessary. See AXLE SHAFTS under REMOVAL & 
INSTALLATION. 

VIBRATION AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 35 MPH 

Out Of Balance Or Out-Of-Round Tires 

Balance the wheel and tire assemblies or INSTALL new wheels or tires as necessary 

Incorrectly Seated Outboard CV Joint In Front Wheel Hub 

Repair or install NEW outboard CV joint or front wheel hub component(s) as necessary. See AXLE SHAFTS 
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 

Lateral & Radial Tire & Wheel Runout 

Repair or install NEW tires or wheels as necessary.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2000-03 DRIVE AXLES Axle Shafts - Front - F150 Pickup (4WD)