Front Axle - 186FIA: Cover-Differential: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: DRAIN PLUG

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LEFT FRONT AXLE BRACKET

2 - DRAIN PLUG

3 - DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING

With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on hoist.
Remove skid plate.
Remove drain plug (2) from housing (3) and drain fluid. See Fig 1.

Fig 2: DRAIN TROUGH
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - TROUGH

2 - MOUNTING NUT
Remove oil trough (1) bolt from axle bracket. See Fig 2.
Remove oil trough nut (2) from differential cover.

Fig 3: FRONT AXLE BRACKET
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LEFT FRONT AXLE BRACKET

2 - CRADLE BRACKET BOLT
Loosen left front axle bracket bolt (2) at cradle. See Fig 3.
Remove left front axle bracket (1) bolts from the axle and let bracket hang forward of the axle.
Remove vent hose from cover and remove oil trough.
Remove differential cover bolts and remove cover.