Differential Case Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Armada. 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.
1. Tool number A: ST33081000 (-)
2. Tool number B: ST30021000 (-)
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 1: Removing Side Bearing Inner Race
  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 2: Identifying Side Bearing With Tags
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Loosen drive gear bolts in a crisscross fashion.
Tap drive gear off the differential case with a soft hammer.
- Tap evenly all around to keep the drive gear from bending.
Fig 3: Loosening Drive Gear Bolts In Crisscross Fashion
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Drive out pinion mate shaft lock pin using suitable punch from drive gear side.

Fig 4: Removing 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 Pinion Mate Gear, Pinion Mate Thrust Washer, Side Gear & Side Gear Thrust Washer 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: Identifying Differential Case, Side Gears, Pinion Mate Gears, Pinion Mate Shaft & Thrust Washers
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.