GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 22888-20A Differential Side Bearing Puller
    • J 35378 Differential Side Bearing Puller Pilot
    • J 35409 Differential Side Bearing Installer
    • J 35405 Differential Preload Wrench
    • J 8001 Dial Indicator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 164037  Size: SH
  1. Remove the differential from the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Disassemble .
  2. Remove the side bearings using a J 22888-20A and a J 35378 . Place the legs of the puller into the cutouts on the speedometer driver gear.
  3. Remove the following components:
  4. • Eight ring gear bolts
    • The locking plates
  5. Remove the ring gear using a copper or a brass hammer.
  6. Discard the bolts and the locking plates.

  7. Object Number: 164035  Size: SH
  8. Remove the pinion shaft lock pin.
  9. Important: Remove the peened over cast flashing prior to lock pin removal.

  10. Remove the pinion shaft from the case.
  11. Remove the following components:
  12. • Two pinion gears
    • Two thrust washers
  13. Remove the following components:
  14. • Two side gears
    • Two thrust washers
  15. Inspect the following parts for chips or excessive wear:
  16. • The side bearings
    • The ring gear
    • The pinion shaft
    • The pinion gears
    • The thrust washers
  17. Replace all faulty components.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 164033  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  1. Install the ring gear bolts.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the ring gear bolts uniformly and incrementally to 77 N·m (57 lb ft).

  3. Install the side bearings using a J 35409 and a press.

  4. Object Number: 165773  Size: SH
  5. Install the following components:
  6. • Two pinion gears
    • Two thrust washers
  7. Install the following components:
  8. • Two side gears
    • Two thrust washers

    Object Number: 164032  Size: SH
  9. Install the pinion shaft.

  10. Object Number: 164028  Size: SH
  11. Measure the pinion gear backlash with a J 8001 . Measure one side of the gear while holding one pinion toward the case. If the backlash is not 0.05-0.20 mm (0.0020-0.0079 in), install different thrust washers. Refer to Transmission Specifications .
  12. Select washers of the same size for both sides of the gear.

  13. Object Number: 164029  Size: SH
  14. Install the pinion shaft lock pin.

  15. Object Number: 165767  Size: SH
  16. After you obtain the correct backlash, stake the differential case.
  17. Install the differential into the transaxle.
  18. Pre-assemble the transaxle to measure bearing preload.

  19. Object Number: 164027  Size: SH
  20. Measure the side bearing preload with the thinnest shim in the transaxle case, using a J 35405 and a torque wrench.
  21. Verify that one of the following conditions is true:

    • New bearing preload is 0.8-1.6 N·m (6.9-13.9 lb ft)
    • Reused bearing preload is 0.5-1.0 N·m (4.3-8.7 lb ft)
  22. If the appropriate condition is true, then you are finished with the installation procedure. If the appropriate condition is not true, then continue with the remainder of the procedure.
  23. Remove the outer race (transaxle case side) of the side bearing. Refer to Transmission Disassemble .
  24. Select an adjusting shim. Refer to Transmission Specifications . The preload will change 0.3-0.4 N·m (2.6-3.5 lb ft) with each shim thickness.