Removal Procedure

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.

Remove the case extension housing. Refer to CASE EXTENSION HOUSING REPLACEMENT .
Disconnect the left drive axle from the transaxle. Refer to AXLE SHAFT in Wheel Drive Shafts.
Rotate the differential carrier until the end of the output shaft can be seen and the differential pinion shaft (701) is in a horizontal position.
Place the J 42562 between the end of the output shaft and the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 1: Placing Axle Removal Wedge Between End Of Output Shaft And Differential Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Using a hammer, hit the end of the axle removal tool in order to compress the output shaft compression ring (512) and push the output shaft through the differential side gear.
Remove the differential carrier (700).
Using snap ring pliers remove the compression ring from the output shaft.
Important: Be careful not to damage the bearing on the output shaft.
Remove the output shaft through the left wheel opening.

Fig 2: Removing Differential Carrier
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the output shaft (510) and the bearing (511) for the following:
- A cracked or deformed bearing cage
- Damaged bushing journals
- Stripped splines
- A damaged retainer ring groove
Fig 3: Inspecting Output Shaft And Bearing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.