Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 GMC Sierra and 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: View Of Differential Side Bearing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:
1. Install the differential assembly into a vise.
2. Install the J 8107-5 (1) and the J 22888-20A (2) as shown. See Special Tools .
3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A . See Special Tools .

Fig 2: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have right-hand threads.

Remove the gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 3: Removing Ring Gear From Differential

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to Ring Gear Removal Notice .

Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Fig 4: Locating Pinion Shaft End

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Locate the end of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole.

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion shaft by performing the following steps:
1. Place a brass drift onto the end of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole.
2. Drive the pinion shaft through the differential case using a hammer and the brass drift.

Fig 6: View Of Pinion Shaft Retaining Ring

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the retaining ring from the pinion shaft. Discard the retaining ring.

Fig 7: View Of Differential Side Gears & Thrust Washers

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the differential pinion gears and the pinion gear thrust washers by rolling the gears out through the differential case opening.
Remove the differential side gears and the thrust washers.
Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.