Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Infiniti QX56. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply gear oil to contact surfaces of each gear, thrust washers and differential case.
Install the removed thrust washer or same thickness washer to side gear.

Fig 1: Removing Thrust Washer
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the side gears, thrust washers, pinion mate gears and thrust washers into differential case.

Fig 2: Installing Side Gears Differential Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install pinion mate shaft to differential case so that it meets lock pin holes.
Measure side gear end play. If necessary, select the appropriate side gear thrust washers. Refer to "DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE ".

Fig 3: Measuring Side Gear End Play
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Drive a lock pin into pinion mate shaft, using a suitable punch. Make sure lock pin is flush with differential case.
CAUTION: Do not reuse lock pin.

Fig 4: Identifying Lock Pin
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Apply gear oil to gear tooth surfaces and thrust surfaces and check to see they turn properly.
Install differential case assembly on drive gear.
- Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern, lightly tapping bolt head with a hammer.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Differential Case Assembly On Drive Gear
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Place differential case on drive gear. Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern.

Fig 6: Identifying Bolts In Crisscross Pattern
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Press-fit side bearing inner race on differential case using Tools.
Tool number A: KV38100300 (J-25523)

B: ST33081000 ( - )

Fig 7: Identifying Side Bearing Inner Race On Differential Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install side bearing adjust nut into gear carrier.
Install differential case assembly with side bearing outer races into gear carrier.

Fig 8: View Of Differential Case And Bearing Races
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Align mark on bearing cap with that on gear carrier and install bearing cap on gear carrier.
- Do not tighten at this step. This allows further tightening of side bearing adjusters.
  
  Fig 9: Installing Bearing Cap On Gear Carrier
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Tighten each side bearing adjust nuts alternately turning drive gear.
Check and adjust tooth contact and drive gear to drive pinion backlash. Refer to "TOOTH CONTACT ", "BACKLASH ".
Recheck above items. Readjust the above description, if necessary.

Fig 10: Adjusting Tooth Contact And Drive Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
After adjusting tooth contact and drive gear to drive pinion backlash, secure adjuster with screws and tighten cap bolt to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
Check total preload torque. Refer to "TOTAL PRELOAD TORQUE ".

Fig 11: Tightening Cap Bolt
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Apply recommended sealant to mating surface of rear cover.
CAUTION: Remove old sealant adhering to mating surfaces. Also remove any moisture, oil, or foreign material adhering to application and mating surfaces.
Install rear cover on gear carrier and tighten bolts with the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
Apply multi-purpose grease to cavity at sealing lips of oil seal. Install side oil seal.

Fig 12: Identifying Sealant
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install new O-ring and extension tube.
CAUTION:
- If the extension tube is being replaced, install a new axle shaft bearing.
- Do not reuse O-ring.
Install side shaft and side flange.

Fig 13: Side Shaft And Side Flange With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.