Removing the rear differential (without GHAS)

WARNING: Hot surfaces .
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

WARNING: Vehicle may slip off the vehicle hoist if the vehicle hoist is handled incorrectly .
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle using a vehicle hoist.
For additional information see: RAISING THE VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE LIFT .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear differential .
Failure to comply with the oil specifications can result in serious damage to the rear differential .

After completion of repair work, check the oil level in the rear differential.
Use only the approved final drive oil.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Mechanical effects .
Paint damage .

Mask those working areas at risk with yellow plastic adhesive tape.
Remove and install heavy or bulky components with the aid of another person/other persons.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR COVERING .
Refer to REMOVING THE LOADING EDGE TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH LEDS FROM THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to PARTIALLY REMOVING THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM PANEL ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE WATER CHANNEL LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE TAIL LIGHT ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to REMOVING REAR BUMPER TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH REAR SIDE TRIM STRIPS .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH EXHAUST COVERS .
Refer to PARTIALLY REMOVING THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS .
Refer to REMOVING REAR BUMPER PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING CENTER STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAT SHIELD AT THE REAR .
Refer to RELEASING THE PROP SHAFT FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to RELEASING THE RIGHT AND LEFT OUTPUT SHAFTS FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to rear differential .
If the rear differential drops down, persons can be injured or the rear differential can be damaged .

Secure the rear differential using a luggage strap.

Attach the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) to the special tool 0 490 133 (00 2 030) .
Support the rear differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) .
Secure the rear differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 080 (33 5 206) on the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) .

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Loosen nut (1) on the rear axle support at rear.

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Pull the bolt (1) out of the rear axle support.

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Loosen screw (1) .

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NOTE: The following step(s) must be performed if the listed component(s) is/are installed.
Loosen nut (1) .
Remove the ground strap (2) .

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Loosen screws (1) rear axle support at front.

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Lower the rear differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) .
Twist the rear differential (1) towards the right and in this process, pull out the right-hand output shaft (2) .
Pull the left output shaft (3) out.
Tie up the output shafts (2) and (3) .
Completely lower the rear differential (1) and remove.

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