Differential Cover: Service and Repair

Differential Housing Cover

Material(s)






Exploded View










Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. REFER to Jacking and Lifting.

2. If equipped, remove the exhaust insulator located near the differential housing cover using soapy water.

3. NOTE: Drain the rear axle lubricant into a suitable drain pan.

Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and the differential housing cover.

Installation

1. NOTE: Make sure the machined surfaces on the rear axle housing and the differential housing cover are clean and free of oil before installing the new silicone sealant. Cover the inside of the rear axle when cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.

Clean the gasket mating surfaces of the differential housing and the differential housing cover.

2. NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new silicone must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone has correctly cured.

Apply a new continuous bead of clear silicone rubber as shown in the illustration.





3. Install the differential housing cover and the 10 differential housing cover bolts.

- Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).

4. Remove the filler plug and fill the rear axle with 1.15 L (1.22 qt) of rear axle lubricant, 3 mm (0.1181 in) below the bottom of the filler hole. Install the filler plug.

- Tighten to 29 Nm (21 lb-ft).

5. If equipped, install the exhaust insulator located near the differential housing cover.