GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - ¾ in - 10
    • J 21784 Side Bearing Installer
    • J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover Kit
    • J 22912-B Split-Plate Bearing Puller
    • J 25299 Side Bearing Installer

Disassembly Procedure

  1. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 866503  Size: SH

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

  3. Remove the ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

  4. 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.

  5. Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
  6. Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift, if necessary.


    Object Number: 680404  Size: SH
  7. Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by doing the following:
  8. 4.1. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
    4.2. Remove the pinion shaft.
    4.3. Roll the differential pinion gear out of the case with the pinion thrust washers.
    4.4. 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 by doing the following:
  5. 3.1. Position one pinion gear between the differential side gears.
    3.2. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion gear is directly opposite the opening in the differential case.
    3.3. Place the other pinion gear between the differential side gears.

    Line up the hole in both the pinion gears.

  6. Rotate the pinion gears toward the opening in order to permit the sliding in of the thrust washers. Install the thrust washers.
  7. Install the pinion shaft.
  8. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  9. Install a new pinion shaft lock bolt.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the new pinion shaft lock bolt to 25 N·m (18 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
  11. Install the ring gear onto the differential case.

  12. Object Number: 866503  Size: SH

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

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

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

  17. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement .