Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 GMC Sierra, 2008 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2008 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
- Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
- Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut retainers.
- Remove the bearing caps and bolts. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
- Loosen the adjusters using the J 24429 . See Special Tools .
- Remove the differential.
- Remove the bearing cups.
Mark the cups left and right. Place the cups with the bearing caps.
- Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) .
- Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
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.