Differential With Axle Shafts: Removal
- Drain fluid from differential. Detach brake caliper from right rotor and hang without stressing flexible brake hose. Remove axle shaft-to-flange attaching bolts (both sides) and force rear shafts out of shaft flanges.NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen right shock absorber upper mount and lower semi-trailing arm to deflection stop.
- If required, remove exhaust system. Loosen clamp nut and detach drive shaft intermediate bearing from frame. Remove drive shaft from differential and push from centering alignment.NOTE: On 3-piece drive shaft, loosen front clamp nut only.
- Support differential with floor jack and Differential Support (115 589 35 63 00). Disconnect rear rubber mount from body. Disconnect differential from rear axle carrier. Lower floor jack and remove differential with axle shaft.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to inner joints when moving differential with axle shafts, axle shafts must not be allowed to drop downward.