Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the propeller shaft underbody guard loop bolts.
- Remove the guard loop.
- Reference mark the propeller shaft flange-to-pinion flange relationship at the rear drive module (RDM).
- Remove the propeller shaft flange mounting bolts at the RDM pinion flange.
- Position the end of the propeller shaft away from the RDM and secure with heavy mechanics wire, or equivalent.
- Place a container under the RDM housing.
- Remove the RDM drain plug.
- Drain the RDM fluid.
- Install the J 44873 (1) to the pinion flange (2) using the J 44873-2 shoulder bolts. See Special Tools .
- Using a breaker bar to hold the J 44873 stationary, loosen the pinion flange nut. See Special Tools .
- Remove and discard the pinion flange nut (1).
- Remove the pinion flange (2).
- Remove the RDM housing cover bolts (1).
- Carefully remove the housing cover (2) from the RDM.
- Remove the clutch drum (2) from the housing cover (1).
- Remove the filter assembly.
- Remove the locating pins.
- Remove all traces of sealer from the housing cover and RDM sealing surfaces.
- Clean the housing cover and RDM sealing surfaces with denatured alcohol or equivalent, and dry with a clean, lint free cloth.
- Check the pinion flange sealing surface (1) for wear or gouges, the bolt threads (2) for damage and the pinion splines (3) for worn or damaged splines.
- Inspect the dust deflector (2) for cracks.
- Inspect the pinion flange seal (1), the front seal (2) and the rear seal (3) for tears, cuts, and gouges on the seals and sealing surfaces.
IMPORTANT:
Do not gouge the housing cover and RDM sealing surfaces.