Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Frontier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove carrier cover bolts.
Separate the carrier cover from the axle housing using Tool.
Tool number: KV10111100 (J-37228)
CAUTION:
- Be careful not to damage the mating surface.
- Do not insert flat-bladed screwdriver, this will damage the mating surface.
  
  Fig 1: Separating Carrier Cover From Axle Housing Using Tool
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove differential sensor connector bolt and differential lock solenoid connector.

Fig 2: Removing Differential Lock Solenoid Connector
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
For proper reinstallation, paint matching mark on one side of side bearing cap.
CAUTION:
- Side bearing caps are line-board for initial assembly. The matching marks are used to reinstall them in their original positions.
- For matching mark, use paint. Do not damage side bearing cap.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Matching Mark
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove adjuster lock plates.
Remove side bearing caps.

Fig 4: Removing Side Bearing Caps
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove side bearing adjusters using Tool.
Tool number: - (C-4164)

Fig 5: Removing Side Bearing Adjusters Using Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Keep side bearing outer races together with inner races. Do not mix them up. Also, keep side bearing adjusters together with bearing.
Remove side bearing adjusters from axle housing.

Fig 6: Removing Side Bearing Adjusters From Axle Housing
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove bracket of differential lock position switch connector and bolts.
Remove differential lock position switch.
Remove side bearing inner race and washer using Tool.
Tool number: ST33081000 (-)

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage differential case assembly and differential lock solenoid.
Remove differential lock solenoid and solenoid washer.

Fig 7: Removing Side Bearing Inner Race And Washer Using Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove side bearing inner race using Tool.
Tool number: ST33081000 (-)

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage differential case assembly.

Fig 8: Removing Side Bearing Inner Race Using Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
For proper reinstallation, paint matching mark on differential case assembly and drive gear.
CAUTION: For matching mark, use paint. Do not damage differential case and drive gear.
Remove drive gear bolts.
Tap drive gear off differential case assembly using suitable tool.
CAUTION: Tap evenly all around to keep drive gear from binding.

Fig 9: Taping Drive Gear Off Differential Case Assembly Using Suitable Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.