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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Blazer 4D Utility, 4WD, Part Time >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1493 (Rear Drive Axle) >> Repair Instructions >> Differential Replacement >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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 and Jacking the Vehicle   in General Information.
  2. Remove the spare tire.
  3. Remove the rear axle tie rod. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement   in Rear Suspension.
  4. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to REAR AXLE SHAFT REPLACEMENT   . 
    Fig 1: Installing J45222
    G01597898Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Loosen the bearing cap bolts. Do not remove the bearing cap bolts at this time.
  6. Install the J 45222  onto the axle housing as shown.
  7. Install the J 8001-1 (2), the J 8001-2 (3), the J 34178  (4, 6), and the J 8001-3 (5) as shown.
  8. Preload the J 8001-3 (5) approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
  9. Rotate the indicator housing to align the indicator needle of the J 8001-3 (5) and the dial indicator face to ZERO.
  10. Spread the axle housing by turning the clevis screw of the J 34178  while observing the J 8001-3.

    Spread the housing just enough to remove the differential assembly. Do not spread the housing more than 1.02 mm (0.040 in).

    Fig 2: Installing J8001-1 (2) , J8001-2 (3), J34178 (4,6) And J8001-3 (5)
    G01597899Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Remove the bearing caps bolts and the caps. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
    Fig 3: Removing Bearing Caps Bolts
    G01597900Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    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.
  12. Remove the differential from the axle housing using a pry bar and a block of wood.
  13. 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 4: Removing Differential From Axle Housing
    G01597901Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Remove the J 8001-1, the J 8001-2, the J 34178,  and the J 8001-3.
  15. Remove the J 45222. 
  16. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARINGS REPLACEMENT   . 
  17. Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to DRIVE PINION AND RING GEAR REPLACEMENT   . 
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