Differential Replacement

Differential Replacement

Removal Procedure

Important: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the ring and pinion gearset, perform the bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the carrier.

1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the tires and wheel assemblies.
3. Remove the brake calipers, if equipped.
4. Remove the brake rotors, if equipped.
5. Remove the brake drums, if equipped.
6. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket.
7. Remove the axle shafts.






8. Remove the bearing caps and bolts. Mark the bearing caps left and right.

Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.

Notice: When removing the differential case from the axle housing, do not damage the cover gasket surface. If the cover gasket surface is damaged, lubricant may leak from the axle and cause premature failure of the axle assembly.






9. Remove the differential by prying the differential from the axle housing at the differential window.
10. Remove the differential assembly.
11. Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary.
- Mark the cups and shims left and right and in the proper order as necessary. Place the cups and the shims with the bearing caps.
12. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary.
13. Remove the ring gear, if necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the ring gear, if necessary.
2. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary.
3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.





4. Place the case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.
- Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.






5. Install the bearing caps and the bolts.
- Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.
6. Adjust the differential side bearing preload.
7. Adjust the backlash.
8. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

9. Tighten the bearing cap bolts. Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb ft).
10. Install the axle shafts.
11. Install the rear axle housing cover and a new gasket.
12. Install the brake drums, if equipped.
13. Install the brake rotors, if equipped.
14. Install the brake calipers, if equipped.
15. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
16. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
17. Lower the vehicle.