Differential Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Inspect the differential for the following:
- A damaged or restricted vent tube.
- Damaged oil seal bores.
- Damaged clutch pump check valve bore or bolt threads.
- Worn or scored pinion housing bore.
- Damage to the exterior of the differential.
- Damaged axle shaft splines and/or missing axle shaft snap rings.
Use the following graphic for reference. See Fig 1 .
Rotate the pinion shaft by hand. The shaft should rotate with minimal resistance and no coarse or rough feeling. If shaft rotation is not as described, inspect the pinion and housing assembly for the following:
- Worn or damaged splines.
- Abnormal pinion gear tooth wear.
- Damaged pinion housing "O" ring seal groove.
- Damaged oil seal and worn bearings.
Use the following graphic for reference. See Fig 2 .