Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and suitably support vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place drain pan under rear axle cover.
3. Remove the rear axle cover and the gasket. Drain the rear axle fluid.
4. Remove rear axle shafts.
5. Remove the differential carrier bearing cap bolts (2,3).

Important: Move the bearing caps (4) back and forth slightly to loosen and remove. Never use screwdrivers to pry on the parting surfaces of the cap and the housing because surface damage will occur.

6. Remove the differential carrier bearing caps (4).





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

7. Remove the differential carrier (1) and the shims from the rear axle housing (2).


Installation Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 25588 Side Bearing Shim Installer





1. Install the differential carrier and the shims (1) into the housing (2) with the shims in the original location with J 25588 and a deadblow hammer.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the differential bearing caps (4) and cap bolts (2,3).
^ Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
3. Perform a backlash adjustment. Refer to Backlash Adjustment. Service and Repair
4. Perform a tooth contact pattern test. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Check. Service and Repair
5. Install the rear axle shafts. Axle Shaft Assembly
6. Install the rear axle cover and the gasket. Seals and Gaskets
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Road test the vehicle in order to ensure proper differential operation. If any whines or howls are now present, repeat the backlash and contact pattern test.