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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Blazer 4D Utility, 4WD, Part Time >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1612 (Rear Drive Axle) >> Repair Instructions >> Differential Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles) >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. 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 gear set, 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 JACKING AND LIFTING .
  2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles)  or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
  3. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock (9.5 inch axle-right side).
    Fig 1: Differential Bearing Adjuster Nut Lock (9.5 Inch Axle - Right Side)
    G01480747Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Remove the bearing caps and bolts. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
    Fig 2: Bearing Caps & Bolts
    G01480748Courtesy 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.
  5. Remove the differential by prying the differential from the axle housing at the differential window (8.6 inch axle).
  6. Loosen the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429  (9.5 inch axle).
  7. Remove the differential (9.5 inch axle).
    8. Fig 3: Removing Differential (9.5 Inch Axles)
    G01480749Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. 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.

  9. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle)  or Differential Side Bearings Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
  10. Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles)  or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle)  or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
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