Drive Pinion: Disassembly

Remove differential case assembly. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY ".
Remove drive pinion lock nut with a flange wrench (commercial service tool).

Fig 1: Removing Drive Pinion Lock Nut Using Flange Wrench
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Put matching mark (B) on the end of drive pinion. The matching mark should be in line with the matching mark (A) on companion flange (1).
CAUTION: For matching mark, use paint. Never damage companion flange and drive pinion.

NOTE: The matching mark on the final drive companion flange indicates the maximum vertical runout position.
When replacing companion flange, matching mark is not necessary.

Fig 2: Identifying Drive Pinion And Companion Flange Matching Mark
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove companion flange using the suitable puller (commercial service tool).

Fig 3: Removing Companion Flange Using Puller
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Press drive pinion assembly out of gear carrier.
CAUTION: Never drop drive pinion assembly.

Fig 4: Pressing Drive Pinion Assembly Out Of Gear Carrier
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove front oil seal.
Remove pinion front bearing inner race.
Remove drive pinion bearing adjusting washer and drive pinion adjusting washer.
Remove pinion rear bearing inner race and pinion height adjusting washer with replacer (A) (commercial service tool).

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Rear Bearing Inner Race And Pinion Height Adjusting Washer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Tap pinion front/rear bearing outer races uniformly a brass rod or equivalent to removed.
CAUTION: Never damage gear carrier.

Fig 6: Tapping Out Pinion Front/Rear Bearing Outer Races
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.