Remove rear axle differential

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 .

WARNING: Car may slip off the vehicle hoist where components are supported.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Secure the vehicle hoist against lowering and lifting.
Make sure that the vehicle does not lift off the mounting plates on the vehicle lift.

CAUTION: Contact with hazardous substances.
Health impairment.

Note and comply with the Safety Instructions on the containers and the instructions on the manufacturer's safety data sheet.
Conduct all work in appropriate personal protective equipment only.

CAUTION: Acid combustions may result from skin contact with oil or inhaling oil vapors.
Risk of acid bums from contact with oil!

Wear safety goggles and hand protection.
Ensure adequate ventilation.

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

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

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING TANK COVER ON LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING STIFFENING STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE CAMBER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR HEAT SHIELD .
Refer to RELEASING THE PROP SHAFT FROM THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to RELEASING THE OUTPUT SHAFT ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT FROM THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .

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

Secure the rear axle differential using a luggage strap.

NOTE: The following step(s) must be performed if the listed component(s) is/are installed.

Release the screw (2) on the vibration absorber (1).
Remove the vibration absorber (1).

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

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Slide the screw (1) backwards in the arrow direction.

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Loosen screws (1) on rear axle support at front.

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Lower the rear axle differential (1) slightly with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200).
Turn the rear axle differential (1) with the special tool 0 496 009 (33 5 200) to the right and while doing so, pull out the right output shaft (2).
Pull out the left output shaft (3).
Tie up the output shafts (2) and (3).
Do not allow the output shafts to hang at the joint.
Completely lower the rear axle differential (1) and remove.

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