Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac CTS. 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 tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Remove the rear propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (RWD) or Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (AWD) .
Drain the rear differential, if needed. Refer to Lubricant Change .
Remove the left and right wheel drive shaft from the rear differential.
- For the left wheel drive shaft, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side .
- For the right wheel drive shaft, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side .
Place a transmission jack stand under the rear differential assembly.
Secure the rear differential assembly to the transmission jack stand.

Fig 1: View of Mounting Bolts and Differential

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the two front differential mounting bolts (1).

Fig 2: View of Rear Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the rear mounting bolt (1) and nut (2) for the differential.

Fig 3: View of Rear Differential Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Lower the differential (1) and remove from the vehicle.