Differential Case Assembly Disassemble

Tools Required

• J 22888-D  Side Bearing Remover Kit. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• J 36597  Side Bearing Puller Pilot - 9.25 in Axle

1. Remove the differential side bearing by performing the following steps:
   1. Place the differential case in a vise.
   Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Bearing
   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   2. Install the J 22888-20A (2) and the J 36597  (1) as shown. See Special Tools and Equipment .
   3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A .
2. Remove the differential assembly from the vise.
Fig 2: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.
3. Remove the ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.
Fig 3: Removing Ring Gear From Differential
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.
4. Remove the ring gear from the differential case.

   Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Fig 4: View Of Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
Fig 5: View Of Differential And Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the pinion shaft.
7. Remove the differential side gear spacers.
Fig 6: Identifying Differential Pinion Gears & Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Remove the differential pinion gears and thrust washers by performing the following steps:
   1. Drive the pinion gear thrust washers out from the differential case using a hammer and a brass drift.
   2. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the differential case.

      Mark the pinion gears and thrust washers top and bottom.

Fig 7: Differential Side Gears & Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Remove the differential side gears and thrust washers.

   Mark the differential side gears and thrust washers left and right.