GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 8107-2  (1), 8.25 inch axle, or theJ 36597 , 9.25 inch axle as shown.
    1.3. Remove the differential side bearings using theJ 22888-20A .

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

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

  4. Object Number: 680402  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: 168052  Size: SH
  7. On the 8.25 inch axle, remove the pinion shaft pin.
  8. Use a hammer and a drift pin in order to drive out the pin.

  9. On the 9.25 inch axle, remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

  10. Object Number: 680404  Size: SH
  11. Remove the pinion shaft.
  12. For the 8.25 inch axle, remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by performing the following steps:
  13. 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.

  14. For the 9.25 inch axle, remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by performing the following steps:
  15. 8.1. Remove the differential side gear spacers.
    8.2. Drive the pinion gear thrust washers out from the differential case using a hammer and a brass drift.
    8.3. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the differential case.
    8.4. 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.