Disassembly Of Differential Case Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Infiniti FX45 and 2004 Infiniti FX35. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove side bearing inner race.
To prevent damage to bearing, engage puller jaws in groove.

Tool number
1. A : ST33051001 (J-22888-20)
2. B : ST33061000 (J-8107-2)
Fig 1: Removing Side Bearing Inner Race
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
CAUTION:
- To prevent damage to the side bearing and drive gear, place copper plates between these parts and vise.
- It is not necessary to remove side bearing except it is replaced.
Fig 2: Differentiating Right-Hand & Left-Hand
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Be careful not to confuse left-hand and right-hand parts. Keep bearing and bearing race for each side together.

Fig 3: Loosening Drive Gear Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Loosen drive gear mounting bolts in a crisscross fashion.
Tap drive gear off the differential case with a soft hammer.
- Tap evenly all around to keep drive gear from binding.
Drive out pinion mate shaft lock pin with punch from drive gear side.

Fig 4: Driving Out Pinion Mate Shaft Lock Pin
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the pinion mate shaft.

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Mate Shaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
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 6: Removing Elements From Differential Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check mating surfaces of differential case, side gears, pinion mate gears, pinion mate shaft and thrust washers.

Fig 7: Checking Elements Removed From Differential Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.