GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 3289-20 Holding Fixture Base
    • J 3289-21 Holding Fixture
    • J 37769 Differential Holding Fixture Adapters
    • J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
    • J 22912-O1 Split Plate Bearing Puller
    • J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover
    • J 8107-4 Differential Side Bearing Remover Plug
    • J 26941 Knuckle Seal Remover
    • J 23907 Slide Hammer

Removal Procedure

  1. Install the mount differential carrier into the J 34162-A with the J 37769 .

  2. Object Number: 173722  Size: SH
  3. Place the differential carrier and the holding fixture into the J 3289-20 .
  4. Inscribe alignment marks on the differential side bearing caps to ensure proper assembly.

  5. Object Number: 469464  Size: SH
  6. Remove the 2 bolts (1) and the side bearing lock plates (3) from the differential carrier.
  7. Remove the differential inner air hose (8).

  8. Object Number: 173724  Size: SH
  9. Remove the 4 bolts (2) and the side bearing caps (1) from the differential carrier.
  10. Remove the side bearing adjusters and the bearing races from the differential carrier.
  11. Remove the differential ring gear and the case from the differential carrier.
  12. Turn the differential carrier and the holding fixture over so that the pinion flange nut is horizontal (90 degrees).

  13. Object Number: 173726  Size: SH
  14. Unstake the pinion flange (1) nut.
  15. Remove the pinion flange nut from the pinion gear using the J 8614-01 to hold the pinion flange stationary.

  16. Object Number: 173728  Size: SH
  17. Remove the pinion gear (1) from the differential carrier.
  18. Remove the collapsible spacer.

  19. Object Number: 173730  Size: MH
  20. Remove the pinion seal (1) from the differential carrier using the J 26941 with the J 23907 .
  21. Remove the outer pinion bearing from the differential carrier.

  22. Object Number: 173731  Size: SH
  23. Remove the inner pinion bearing races (1) from the differential carrier using a large drift punch and a hammer. Tap around the rear of each bearing race and slowly drive each race out evenly.

  24. Object Number: 173732  Size: SH
  25. Remove the outer pinion bearing races (1) from the differential carrier using a large drift punch and a hammer. Tap around the rear of each bearing race and slowly drive each race out evenly.

  26. Object Number: 469466  Size: SH
  27. Remove the side bearings (1) from the differential case using the J 22888-D with the J 8107-4 .
  28. Remove the actuator.
  29. Remove the 10 bolts and the ring gear from the differential case.

  30. Object Number: 174722  Size: SH
  31. Remove the pinion shaft roll pin, the pinion shaft (2).

  32. Object Number: 174724  Size: SH
  33. Remove the following from the differential case:
  34. • The differential pinion gears (2)
    • The washers

    Object Number: 469463  Size: SH
  35. Remove the side gears with selective washers.

  36. Object Number: 173736  Size: SH
  37. Remove the inner pinion bearing (2) and the collapsible spacer from the pinion gear shaft using the J 22912-O1 . Place the J 22912-O1 on the pinion gear shaft with the concave side toward the pinion gear. Then place the pinion gear (3) in a hydraulic press (1) and remove the inner pinion bearing.
  38. Remove the pinion selective shim from the pinion gear shaft.
  39. Important: Do not spin dry the roller bearings with compressed air.

  40. Clean all parts thoroughly with clean solvent and air dry.

  41. Object Number: 173738  Size: SH
  42. Inspect the differential carrier (1) and case for cracks or stripped threads and repair or replace as necessary.

  43. Object Number: 173740  Size: SH

    Important: Differential components are set to very close tolerances and are prone to wear should one component fail. In order to ensure accurate adjustment and even wear, the ring and pinion gears as well as all tapered roller bearings and races must be replaced as sets.

  44. Inspect the ring (2) and pinion (1) gears for excessive or unusual wear, cracks, overheating or other damage and replace as necessary.
  45. Inspect all roller bearings and races for roughness, locking, or other wear or damage. Replace defective parts as necessary.
  46. Inspect the side and differential pinion gears for unusual wear or damage. Replace defective parts as necessary.