GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 3289-20 Bench Mounted Holding Fixture
    • J 42143 Side Bearing Preload Clamp
    • J 42149 Side Bearing Preload Clamping Plate
    • J 42177 Holding Fixture Adapter
  1. Using the differential bearing bracket bolts, install the J 42177 to the differential.
  2. Lightly seat the bolts.

  3. Mount the differential on to the J 3289-20 .

  4. Object Number: 218644  Size: SH
  5. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
  6. Remove the rear axle housing cover.

  7. Object Number: 218665  Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage the differential housing or side bearing race(s).

  8. Remove the wheel drive shafts oil seals using a suitable tool.

  9. Object Number: 218734  Size: SH
  10. Using the rear axle housing cover bolts, install the J 42143 to the housing.
  11. Lightly seat the bolts.

  12. Install the J 42143 to the right differential side bearing outer race.
  13. Tighten the clamp onto the J 42149 .
  14. Tighten the clamp only enough to relieve a significant amount of bearing preload from the snap ring.

  15. Use a hammer and a drift to rotate the differential adjuster ring so that the ring opening is accessible.

  16. Object Number: 218736  Size: SH
  17. Use snap ring pliers to remove the adjuster ring from the right bearing bore.
  18. Remove the J 42149 .
  19. Remove the J 42143 .

  20. Object Number: 218740  Size: SH
  21. Use snap ring pliers to remove the adjuster ring (2) from the left side of the differential.

  22. Object Number: 218743  Size: SH
  23. Use a soft faced mallet and a piece of wood to drive out the right differential side bearing outer race from the cover opening of the differential.
  24. Remove the differential side bearing seal.
  25. Lightly tap the carrier through the right side bearing bore using a soft faced mallet and a piece of wood to drive the left differential side bearing outer race out of the housing.
  26. Important: Do not mix the right and the left side bearing races.

  27. Remove the differential carrier from the differential housing.

  28. Object Number: 218657  Size: SH
  29. Remove the differential drive pinion gear. Refer to Drive Pinion Disassemble .
  30. Important: Do not damage the differential housing when removing pinion seal.

  31. Remove the differential drive pinion seal (2).