Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Nissan Armada. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drain the differential gear oil if necessary.
Remove the differential side shaft and differential side flange using suitable tool.

Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Shaft And Flange Using Suitable Tool
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Remove the extension tube and O-ring from the gear carrier.
CAUTION: Do not reuse O-ring.

Fig 2: Gear Carrier Extension Tube And O-Ring With Torque Specifications
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Place a small hole in the side oil seal case using suitable tool.

Fig 3: Identifying Small Hole On Side Oil Seal
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Remove the side oil seal using suitable tool as shown below.

Fig 4: Removing Side Oil Seal Using Suitable Tool
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Remove the carrier cover bolts and separate the carrier cover from the gear carrier using tool.
Tool number: KV10111100 (J-37228)
CAUTION:
- Do not damage the mating surface.
- Do not insert flat-bladed screwdriver, this will damage the mating surface.
Fig 5: Separating Carrier Cover From Gear Carrier Using Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
For proper reinstallation, paint matching marks on one side of the side bearing cap and gear carrier.
CAUTION:
- For matching marks, use paint. Do not damage side bearing cap or gear carrier.
- Side bearing caps are line-board during manufacture. The matching marks are used to reinstall them in their original positions.
Fig 6: Identifying Matching Marks On Side Bearing Cap And Gear Carrier
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Remove the side bearing caps.

Fig 7: Removing Side Bearing Caps
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Remove the side bearing adjuster.

Fig 8: Removing Side Bearing Adjuster
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Lift the differential case assembly out of the gear carrier.
CAUTION: Keep side bearing outer races together with side bearing inner races. Do not mix them up.

Fig 9: Lifting Differential Case Assembly Out Of Gear Carrier
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Remove side bearing inner race using tools as shown below.
Tool number (A): ST33081000 (-)

(B): ST30021000 (-)

Fig 10: Removing Side Bearing Inner Race Using Tools
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CAUTION:
- Do not remove side bearing inner race unless it is being replaced.
- Place copper plates between the vise and the side bearing inner race and drive gear to prevent damage.
- Engage puller jaws in groove to prevent damage to bearing.
- Keep side bearing outer races together with side bearing inner races. Do not mix them up.
For proper reinstallation, paint matching marks on the differential case and drive gear.
CAUTION: Use paint for matching marks. Do not damage differential case or drive gear.
Remove the drive gear bolts (<==).
Tap the drive gear off the differential case using suitable tool.
CAUTION: Tap evenly all around to keep drive gear from bending.

Fig 11: Removing Drive Gear Bolts
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Remove the lock pin of the pinion mate shaft from the drive gear side using suitable tool.

Fig 12: Removing Lock Pin Of Pinion Mate Shaft From Drive Gear Side Using Tool
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Remove the pinion mate shaft.

Fig 13: Removing Pinion Mate Shaft
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Turn the pinion mate gear, then remove the pinion mate gear, pinion mate thrust washer, side gear and side gear thrust washer from the differential case.

Fig 14: Turning Pinion Mate Gear
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