Pinion Gear/Ring Gear: Removal

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

Fig 1: Remove Ring Dear Bolts and Drive Ring Gear

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: The ring gear and pinion are serviced in a matched set. Never replace one gear without replacing the matching gear.

Remove differential from axle housing.
Place differential case in vise with soft metal jaw protectors.
Remove ring gear bolts and drive ring gear (2) off differential case with a soft hammer (3).

Fig 2: Remove Pinion From Housing
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Hold pinion flange with Wrench C-3281 and remove pinion nut.
Remove pinion flange with two jaw puller.
Remove pinion from housing with a soft hammer (1).

Fig 3: Remove Front Pinion Bearing Cup
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Remove pinion seal with a pry tool or slide-hammer mounted screw.
Remove oil slinger if equipped and front pinion bearing.
Remove front pinion bearing cup with Remover C-4345 (1) and Handle C-4171 (2).

Fig 4: Remove Rear Bearing Cup
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Remove rear bearing cup from housing with Remover C-4307 (1) and Handle C-4171 (2).

Fig 5: Remove Collapsible Preload Spacer
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Remove collapsible preload spacer (1) from pinion gear.

Fig 6: Remove Rear Bearing from Pinion
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove rear bearing from pinion with Puller/Press C-293-PA (1) and Adapters C-293-47 (3).

Fig 7: Remove Depth Shims From Pinion Gear
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove depth shims (1) from pinion gear (2) and record shim thickness.