Rear Differential Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Acura TL, 2010 Acura TL, and 2009 Acura TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Place the rear differential on a transmission jack
Install a new set ring (A) into the groove (B) of the rear differential

Fig 1: Identifying Set Ring And Groove
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Raise the rear differential to the appropriate position, then connect the breather hose (A)

Fig 2: Identifying Breather Hose
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Raise the rear differential to the mounting level
Loosely install new rear differential rear mount bolts (A and B) and new rear differential front mounting bracket nuts (C)

Fig 3: Rear Differential Front Mounting Bracket Nuts And Rear Differential Rear Mount Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Loosen the rear differential front mounting bracket bolts (D)
Tighten the rear differential rear mount bolt (A) and the rear differential front mounting bracket nuts (C) to the specified torque
Tighten the rear differential rear mount bolt (B) to the specified torque
Tighten the rear differential front mounting bracket bolts (D) to the specified torque
Install the rear subframe rear bracket bolts (A)

Fig 4: Rear Subframe Rear Bracket Bolts With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Connect the rear differential subharness connectors (A), and install the harness clips (B)

Fig 5: Identifying Rear Differential Subharness Connectors And Harness Clips
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Attach the No 3 propeller shaft (A) to the rear differential (B) by aligning the reference marks (C) you made during the removal procedure

Fig 6: Propeller Shaft And Rear Differential With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Apply appropriate grease to the rear driveshaft inboard joints (see step 2 on REAR DRIVESHAFT INSTALLATION )
Pull the knuckle outward, and insert the rear driveshaft inboard joints (A) into the rear differential (B)

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Inboard Joints Into Rear Differential
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Loosely install new lower arm A mounting bolts (A) and new lower arm B mounting bolts (B)

Fig 8: Lower Arm Mounting Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Place a floor jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight
Tighten the lower arm A mounting bolt and the lower arm B mounting bolt to the specified torque
Install exhaust pipe B and the muffler (see EXHAUST PIPE AND MUFFLER REPLACEMENT )
Install the rear wheels
Refill the rear differential with the recommended fluid (see REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT )
Test-drive the vehicle