Differential Case Assemble
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2004 Saturn Ion 3, 2004 Saturn Ion 2, 2004 Saturn Ion 1, 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, and 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
- J 7079-2 Universal Driver Handle - Non-threaded. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- J 44386 Input/Output Bearing Installer. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- Clean all parts in a suitable solution before assembling.
- Refer to Shimming Procedures before assembling the differential case.
- Lubricate the bearing inner and outer race surface before assembly.
- Install the following parts into the differential case (7):
- The pinion gears (3)
- The pinion gear thrust washers (2)
- The side gears (5)
- The side gear thrust washers (4)
- The pinion shaft (6)
- NEW snap rings (1)
- Install the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) ring onto the differential case.
- Apply GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent to the differential ring gear bolts.
- Install the differential ring gear onto the differential case.
- Install the ten NEW differential ring gear bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the differential ring gear bolts to 95 N.m (68 lb ft).
- Install a NEW left differential side bearing and shim onto the differential case using the J 44386 and the J 7079-2 .
- Install a NEW right differential side bearing and shim onto the differential case using the J 44386 (2) and the J 7079-2 (1).
IMPORTANT:
IMPORTANT:
Apply even pressure to the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) ring during installation.
IMPORTANT:
The machined surface on the differential ring gear faces the differential case.
NOTE:
Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
IMPORTANT:
Refer to Shimming Procedures before installing the left differential side bearing.
IMPORTANT:
Refer to Shimming Procedures before installing the right differential side bearing.