GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Differential Case Disassemble 8.25 Inch Axle

Special Tools

J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover Kit

  1. Remove the differential side bearing by performing the following steps:
  2. 1.1. Place the differential case in a vise.

    Object Number: 680400  Size: SH
    1.2. Install the J 22888-20A  (2) and the J 8107-2  (1) as shown.
    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. Discard the bolts.

  6. Object Number: 866502  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

  7. Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
  8. Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.


    Object Number: 168052  Size: SH
  9. Remove the pinion shaft pin.
  10. Use a hammer and a drift pin in order to drive out the pin.


    Object Number: 851733  Size: SH
  11. Remove the pinion shaft.

  12. Object Number: 680404  Size: SH
  13. Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by performing the following steps:
  14. 7.1. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the case with the pinion gear thrust washers.
    7.2. Remove the differential side gears and the side gear thrust washers.

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

Front Differential Case Disassemble 9.25 Inch Axle

Tools Required

    • J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover Kit
    • J 36597 Side Bearing Puller Pilot - 9.25 in Axle
  1. Remove the differential side bearing by performing the following steps:
  2. 1.1. Place the differential case in a vise.

    Object Number: 680400  Size: SH
    1.2. Install the J 22888-20A  (2) and the J 36597  (1) as shown.
    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. Discard the bolts.

  6. Object Number: 866502  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

  7. Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
  8. Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.


    Object Number: 851727  Size: SH
  9. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

  10. Object Number: 851733  Size: SH
  11. Remove the pinion shaft.
  12. Remove the differential side gear spacers.

  13. Object Number: 851732  Size: SH
  14. Remove the differential pinion gears and thrust washers by performing the following steps:
  15. 8.1. Drive the pinion gear thrust washers out from the differential case using a hammer and a brass drift.
    8.2. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the differential case.

    Mark the pinion gears and thrust washers top and bottom.


    Object Number: 851734  Size: SH
  16. Remove the differential side gears and thrust washers.
  17. Mark the differential side gears and thrust washers left and right.