Differential Case Assembly Disassemble: Disassembly

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Place the differential case in a vise.

Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Bearing

GM680400

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the J 22888-20A (2) and the J 8107-2 (1) as shown. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A and the J 8107-2 . See Special Tools and Equipment .

Fig 2: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

GM866503

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have left-handed threads.

Remove the ring gear bolts.

NOTE: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

Fig 3: Removing Ring Gear From Differential

GM866502

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Fig 4: View Of Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt

GM851727

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

Fig 5: View Of Differential And Pinion Shaft

GM851733

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 6: Exploded View Of Differential Case

GM680404

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears.
1. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the case with the pinion thrust washers.
2. Remove the differential side gears and the side gear thrust washers.
  Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.