Removal Procedure

Important:  Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the ring and pinion gearset, perform the bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings, etc.) then you may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original locations.

Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the carrier.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING & JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
2. Remove the tires and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
   Fig 1: Remove Bearing Caps And Bolts

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Remove the brake calipers (if equipped). Refer to BRAKE CALIPER -- REAR in Disc Brakes.
4. Remove the brake rotors (if equipped). Refer to BRAKE ROTOR -- REAR in Disc Brakes.
5. Remove the brake drums (if equipped).
6. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
7. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
8. Remove the bearing caps and bolts. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
   CAUTION: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.
   NOTE: When removing the differential case from the axle housing, do not damage the cover gasket surface. If the cover gasket surface is damaged, lubricant may leak from the axle and cause premature failure of the axle assembly.
9. Remove the differential by prying the differential from the axle housing at the differential window.
10. Remove the differential.
11. Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary.

    Mark the cups and shims left and right and in the proper order as necessary. Place the cups and the shims with the bearing caps.

    Fig 2: Prying Differential From Axle Housing At Differential Window

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement .
13. Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .