Removing the rear differential (with 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.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE UNDERBODY PLANKING OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THE SIDE .
Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING CENTER STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to IF INSTALLED: REMOVING THE REAR AXLE COVER .
Refer to REMOVING COMPLETE 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.

Loosen screws (1).
Remove the heat shield (2).

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Unlock and disconnect the plug connections (1) and (2).
Release cable from holder (3).

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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.
Release nut (1).
Remove the ground strap (2).

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Loosen screws (1) on 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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