Dowel Pin Alignment: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Use suitable tool to lock the drive plate and match mark (A) the drive plate before removing the drive plate bolts.
CAUTION: Do not damage the ring gear teeth, or the signal plate teeth behind the ring gear.

Fig 1: Identifying Match Mark Of Drive Plate
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove drive plate.
- Loosen the drive plate bolts in a diagonal order.
  CAUTION:
  - Don not place drive plate with signal plate facing down.
  - When handling the signal plate, take care not to damage or scratch it.
  - Handle the signal plate in a manner that prevents it from becoming magnetized
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Checking Area Of Drive Plate For Deformation Or Cracks
    Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.