Drive Pinion: Disassembly

Remove transfer cover. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY ".
Remove ring gear shaft assembly. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY ".
Remove pinion lock nut from the drive pinion.
Put matching marks (A) on screw ends of drive pinion and companion flange.
CAUTION: Use paint to avoid scratching the surface.

Fig 1: Identifying Matching Marks On Screw Ends Of Drive Pinion And Companion Flange
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove companion flange from drive pinion with the puller (A) (Commercial service tool).

Fig 2: Removing Companion Flange From Drive Pinion Using Puller
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove drive pinion oil seal from the transfer case with the puller (A) [SST: KV381054S0 (J-34286)].
CAUTION: Never damage transfer case.

Fig 3: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal From Transfer Case Using Puller
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove drive pinion assembly (1) from transfer case while tapping the drive pinion lightly with a plastic hammer.
CAUTION: Never drop the drive pinion assembly.
Remove collapsible spacer from the drive pinion.
Remove inner race of pinion bearing (rear) from transfer case.

Fig 4: Tapping Drive Pinion Lightly Using Plastic Hammer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove inner race of pinion bearing (front) from drive pinion with the replacer (A) (Commercial service tool).

Fig 5: Removing Inner Race Of Front Pinion Bearing Using Replacer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Tap the outer race of pinion bearing (rear) from transfer case with a brass rod to remove outer race of pinion bearing (rear).
CAUTION: Never damage transfer case.
Remove drive pinion adjusting shim.
Perform inspection after disassembly. Refer to "INSPECTION ".

Fig 6: Tapping Pinion Bearing Outer Race Using Brass
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.