Differential Cover: Service and Repair

DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. See Lifting.

2. Remove the 10 bolts and the rear differential cover.

- Drain the differential fluid from the housing.

Installation

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


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






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


NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow 1 hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

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

- Tighten to 23 Nm {2.3 kgf-m, 17 ft-lbf}.

4. Fill the rear axle with 1.15L (2.43 pt) of rear axle lubricant, 3-5 mm (0.118-0.196 in) below the bottom of the filler hole and install the filler plug.

- Tighten to 27 Nm {2.8 kgf-m, 20 ft-lbf}.