GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • 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. Important: The second design of this differential does not use spacers.

  13. Remove the differential side gear spacers. (2nd design does not use spacers.)

  14. Object Number: 851732  Size: SH
  15. Remove the differential pinion gears and thrust washers by performing the following steps:
  16. 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
  17. Remove the differential side gears and thrust washers.
  18. Mark the differential side gears and thrust washers left and right.