Differential Carrier

Differential Carrier

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.

2. Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and the differential housing cover.
- Drain the lubricant from the rear axle.

3. Clean the gasket material from the differential housing cover and the differential housing.

4. Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to Differential Assembly and/or Axle Shaft Assembly.

5. NOTE: Note the positions of the mating letters stamped vertically and horizontally on the bearing caps and the differential housing before removing the bearing caps.

Remove the 4 bolts and the 2 bearing caps.






6. NOTICE: Do not spread the differential housing more than specified or damage to the housing may occur.

Using the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture and Differential Carrier Spreader, spread the differential housing.






7. NOTICE: It will be necessary to use large pry bars to remove the differential carrier from the differential housing. Do not damage the differential ring rear when carrying out this step.

NOTE: Mark or tag the differential bearing cups, indicating from which side they were removed.

Remove the differential assembly with the bearing cups.






8. NOTE: Mark or tag the outboard spacers indicating from which side they were removed.

Remove the outboard spacers.

- Inspect the spacers for nicks, bending and grooved conditions. Discard them if necessary.






Installation

1. Install the outboard spacer in its original location.






2. Assemble the differential bearing cups to the differential bearings.

3. NOTICE: Do not spread the differential housing more than specified or damage to the housing may occur.

NOTICE: Avoid nicking the ring gear teeth and the anti-lock speed sensor ring during assembly or damage to the component may occur.

Using the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture and Differential Carrier Spreader, spread the differential housing to the specification.

- Use a rawhide hammer to seat the differential into the differential housing pocket.






4. NOTE: Match the mating letters as noted during disassembly.

Install the 2 bearing caps and 4 bolts, aligning the letters with those on the differential housing.

- Tighten to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft).






5. Using the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture and Clutch Housing Gauge, measure the differential ring gear and pinion backlash at 3 equally spaced points.






6. Install the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to Differential Assembly and/or Axle Shaft Assembly.

7. NOTE: Install the differential cover within 15 minutes of applying the silicone or it will be necessary to remove and reapply new sealant.

Apply a continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover as shown.






8. Install the differential housing cover and the 10 bolts. Tighten the bolts.
- Tighten alternately and evenly to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).

9. NOTE: If possible, allow an hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

Fill the axle with the specified type and amount of lubricant.