Rear Axle - 8 1/4: 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: REFERENCE MARKS

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - REFERENCE MARKS

2 - REFERENCE MARK

3 - BEARING CAPS

Remove differential fill plug.
Remove differential cover and drain lubricant.
Remove axle shaft C-locks and axle shafts.
Remove ABS sensor from housing.

Mark (1) (2) differential housing and bearing caps (3) for installation reference. See Fig 1.

Fig 2: LOCK SCREW

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - PINION MATE SHAFT

2 - BEARING CAP BOLT

3 - ADJUSTER LOCK BOLT

4 - LOCK SCREW

Remove bearing adjuster lock bolt (3) from bearing caps.

Loosen differential bearing cap bolts (2). See Fig 2.

Fig 3: THREADED ADJUSTER TOOL

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - AXLE TUBE

2 - BACKING PLATE

3 - THREAD ADJUSTER WRENCH

Loosen differential bearing adjusters through the axle tubes (1) with Wrench C-4164 (3). See Fig 3.
Hold differential case while removing bearing caps and adjusters.
Remove differential case and tag differential bearing cups and adjusters to indicate location.
Clean housing cavity with flushing oil, light engine oil or a lint free cloth.