GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - ¾ in - 10
    • J 22888-D Side Bearing Puller Kit
    • J 25299 Side Bearing Installer

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 680400  Size: SH
  1. Remove the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:
  2. 1.1. Install the differential assembly into a vise.
    1.2. Install the J 22888-20A  (2) and the J 8107-2  (1) onto the differential case.
    1.3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A .
  3. Remove the differential assembly from the vise.

  4. Object Number: 866503  Size: SH

    Important: The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.

  5. Remove the ring gear bolts.
  6. Discard the bolts.

    Notice: Refer to Ring Gear Removal Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 866502  Size: SH
  7. Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
  8. Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.


    Object Number: 680404  Size: SH
  9. Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by performing the following steps:
  10. 5.1. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
    5.2. Remove the pinion shaft.
    5.3. Roll the differential pinion gear out of the case with the pinion thrust washers.
    5.4. Remove the differential side gears and the side gear thrust washers.

    Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.

Assembly Procedure

  1. Lubricate the pinion and side gears with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  2. Install the thrust washers to the differential side gears.
  3. If the same differential side gears and the thrust washers are being used, install the gears and the thrust washers to the original locations.


    Object Number: 680404  Size: SH
  4. Install the differential pinion gears and pinion gear thrust washers by performing the following steps:
  5. 3.1. Position one pinion gear between the differential side gears.
    3.2. Position the second pinion gear between the differential side gears directly opposite of the first gear.
    3.3. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion gears are directly opposite the opening in the differential case.
    3.4. Install the thrust washers.

    Rotate the pinion gears toward the opening in order to permit the sliding in of the thrust washers.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  6. Install the pinion shaft.
  7. Install a new pinion shaft lock bolt.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the new pinion shaft lock bolt to 25 N·m (19 lb ft).

    Important: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.


    Object Number: 866505  Size: SH
  9. Install the ring gear to the differential case.

  10. Object Number: 866503  Size: SH

    Important: The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.

  11. Install the new ring gear bolts.
  12. Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.

  13. Tighten the ring gear bolts. Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).


    Object Number: 651740  Size: SH
  15. Install the differential side bearings by doing the following:
  16. • In order to protect the differential case, install the J 8107-2 in the case on the side opposite the bearing installation.
    • Install the J 25299  (2) and the J 8092  (1) onto the differential case bearing as shown.
    • Drive the bearing onto the case using the J 25299  (2) and the J 8092  (1).