NHTSA Safety Recall (23V-896) on 113,000 F-150 Trucks with Trailer Tow Max Duty Package

[Big Dog Daddy]

I could have sworn the CSP from last year stated to do both sides, but dealers still weren't doing it then.

I'm not sure either, now that it's a safety recall I think the dealers will be more likely to change both to cover their a$$. and Ford probably has a million of these axle shafts there going to end up being scraped anyway. My guess is that the permanent fix axles will have a large male thread on the end exposed at the hub, and will be retained with a large lock nut. Similar to a CV joint axle nut on front wheel drive cars.

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[Snakebitten]

Damn, I admire your optimism and tenacity. Also, how cold is cold?

High 30's, but no wind in the barn.
Besides, I'm hardheaded enough to ignore it for at least a couple of hours.

Alas though, no luck!
That bolt is even more stubborn than this old man. ?

I took a risk and increased the bore size to a #5. Which isn't oversized for that bolt IF you are dead center. (I'm not, so increased risk)
I figured if it worked and I got it extracted, I would know whether or not the axle is still usable. And if it wasn't, I still beat that dang bolt.

I'll see if I can find the right (passenger) side locally.
The CSP originally called for ML3Z-4234-E

When I do a search with online Ford parts sites, it looks like it's been superceded by ML3Z-4234-H

 

[Snakebitten]

it's about 120 lb-ft to get to the 90º twist.

I guess I can't really argue that 120 is that excessive, although I don't know why it would take 120# just to "locate" the axle outboard. There's just not that much force trying to move that axle in/out. It's really easy to move it the full range in/out too. (I haven't measured it precisely, but it's less than an inch)
I certainly don't get the impression that there is even remotely a "press fit" of the axle<>hub splines.

 

[Big Dog Daddy]

High 30's, but no wind in the barn.
Besides, I'm hardheaded enough to ignore it for at least a couple of hours.

Alas though, no luck!
That bolt is even more stubborn than this old man. ?

I took a risk and increased the bore size to a #5. Which isn't oversized for that bolt IF you are dead center. (I'm not, so increased risk)
I figured if it worked and I got it extracted, I would know whether or not the axle is still usable. And if it wasn't, I still beat that dang bolt.

I'll see if I can find the right (passenger) side locally.
The CSP originally called for ML3Z-4234-E

When I do a search with online Ford parts sites, it looks like it's been superceded by ML3Z-4234-H

Well... Sir. You certainly gave it one hell of a try. So close, but no cigar! Yes it looks like suffix H replaces E. for the right side axle.

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-shaft-assembly-rear-axle-ml3z4234h

 

[Snakebitten]

Thanks BDD.
I did apply ?, but I only had a propane torch. Got it as hot as I knew how to, but it never even glowed.
So I couldn't really break it down like you pros do.

 

[Ed21]

I guess I can't really argue that 120 is that excessive, although I don't know why it would take 120# just to "locate" the axle outboard. There's just not that much force trying to move that axle in/out. It's really easy to move it the full range in/out too. (I haven't measured it precisely, but it's less than an inch)
I certainly don't get the impression that there is even remotely a "press fit" of the axle<>hub splines.

So that would mean the axle is flush with the hub normally and moves into the differential after the bolt breaking? Do you think this can cause damage to the differential?

 

[Snakebitten]

It is not flush with the hub when it is held by the bolt. There's some unseen shoulder or limit that it hits when you pull out on it. But It appears to beyond the exact spot that lines up the beginning of the splines on both surfaces. (axle & hub) About 1/8" inset from hub face.

Basically the tapered end of the axle is pulled out beyond the splines of the hub, to the point where the full diameter of axle begins.

 

[JustTIC]

Correct. But up until this recall announcement there have been owners that paid to get their axles and bolt replaced. That can’t happen now

From the NHTSA recall report:

Ford provided the general reimbursement plan for the cost of remedies paid for by vehicle owners prior to notification of a safety recall in May 2023. The ending date for reimbursement eligibility is estimated to be February 23, 2024.

 

[RossRR]

Thanks BDD.
I did apply ?, but I only had a propane torch. Got it as hot as I knew how to, but it never even glowed.
So I couldn't really break it down like you pros do.

Just curious...passenger side is not reverse threaded; right?

 

[mflynndelta]

Just curious...passenger side is not reverse threaded; right?

My left rear axel just started clicking but the bolt has not broken yet … what will the dealer do for me at this point ? I am currently on a 3 week trip towing my camper. Should I be concerned?

 

[bowling]

My left rear axel just started clicking but the bolt has not broken yet … what will the dealer do for me at this point ? I am currently on a 3 week trip towing my camper. Should I be concerned?

my advice (free advice is often worth the price paid): keep on trucking. It's highly unlikely you'll strip the splines badly enough to stop you cold. Ask a dealer to take a look at your convenience.

 

[mflynndelta]

Thanks BDD.
I did apply ?, but I only had a propane torch. Got it as hot as I knew how to, but it never even glowed.
So I couldn't really break it down like you pros do.

I’m curious what is the update on this ? Mine started making clicking noise yesterday but not broken yet. Dealer is telling me parts are not available yet? I am towing camper on trip to Florida? Is there any danger if bolt not broken to tow ?

 

[Snakebitten]

The update is that I have not touched the truck all week. Been pretty busy at the office and babysitting grandkids all 5 nights.
But BigDogDaddy won't allow me to throw in the towel on getting what's left of the Bolt out. He's relentless, that fella!
I got this set of extractors in yesterday. (BDD suggested)
And they have a hex head! So....... I can get some impact type torque on it?

And if that doesn't get it out, there's even plan #4 for burring what's left of the meat of the Bolt until it disentegrates.

I don't understand the dealership saying parts aren't available yet? Are they implying the current axles are out of production?

 

[HammaMan]

The update is that I have not touched the truck all week. Been pretty busy at the office and babysitting grandkids all 5 nights.
But BigDogDaddy won't allow me to throw in the towel on getting what's left of the Bolt out. He's relentless, that fella!
I got this set of extractors in yesterday. (BDD suggested)
And they have a hex head! So....... I can get some impact type torque on it?

And if that doesn't get it out, there's even plan #4 for burring what's left of the meat of the Bolt until it disentegrates.

I don't understand the dealership saying parts aren't available yet? Are they implying the current axles are out of production?

I'm guessing you've heated it? I just start throwing everything at it. Heat followed up with penetrating oil hoping to work some of it into the threads. With so little of the bolt itself left, extractors can open it up. Not sure if those are wedged but try to get it seated and begin anti-torque and hammering it in simultaneously. Given your time between working on it, I'd have add a little more penetrant twice a day or so trying to get it to wick in. That red loctite complicates it requiring heat to be present to weaken it.

 

[Buyer2021]

You folks (well, OK, my own paranoia) have got me dreading basic tire rotation maintenance.

But I bit the bullet and did the chore this morning ..... found nothing visibly amiss (and no I did not put a wrench to those axle bolts to do any 'testing').

Knocking on wood and keeping fingers crossed, I look forward to the day when Ford eventually announces availability of true remedy.

Good Luck and Keep the Faith, everyone!

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