Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 GMC Sierra, 2010 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2010 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the differential 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 of the components ( pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the differential carrier with the original shims in their original locations. ALWAYS perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the differential carrier.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .

Fig 1: Differential Bearing Adjuster Nut Lock

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Step 3 is for the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle.

Remove the right side differential bearing adjuster nut lock.

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Bearing Cap Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

WARNING: Refer to Differential Case Removal Warning .

NOTE: Mark the bearing caps left and right before removing.

Remove the bearing cap bolts and caps.

Fig 3: Pinion Shaft Touching Housing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Steps 3 and 4 are for the 8.6 inch axle ONLY.

For the 8.6 inch axle, install the pinion shaft into the differential case part way and rotate the differential assembly until the pinion shaft contact the top of the axle housing.

CAUTION: Refer to Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Caution .

For the 8.6 inch axle, rotate the drive pinion clockwise in order to force the differential assembly out of the axle housing.

NOTE: The following service procedure is for the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle ONLY.

Using the J 24429: spanner, loosen the differential bearing adjuster nut.
Remove the differential assembly.

NOTE: Mark the bearing cups, caps and the shims left and right and in the proper order for re-assembly.

Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary.
Remove the differential side bearings. Refer to Differential Bearing Replacement .
Remove the differential ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5 LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .