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.

Drain gear oil, if necessary.
Remove differential side shaft with a soft hammer.

Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Shaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove differential side flange with a soft hammer.

Fig 2: Removing Differential Side Flange
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove extension tube and O-ring.

Fig 3: Extension Tube And O-Ring With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Place a small hole in seal case, using a suitable punch or drill.

Fig 4: Identifying Small Hole In Seal Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove oil seal using Tool as shown.
Tool number : - (SP8P)

Fig 5: Identifying Oil Seal
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove rear cover from gear carrier.

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Cover From Gear Carrier
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
For proper reinstallation, paint matching mark on one side bearing cap.
CAUTION:
- For matching mark, use paint. Do not damage bearing caps and gear carrier.
- Bearing caps are line-board during manufacture. The matching marks are used to reinstall them in their original positions.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying Paint Matching Mark On One Side Bearing Cap
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove side bearing caps.

Fig 8: Removing Side Bearing Caps
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove side bearing adjust nuts.

Fig 9: Identifying Side Bearing Adjust Nuts
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Keep the side bearing outer races together with inner race. Do not mix them up.

Fig 10: View Of Differential Case And Bearing Races
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove side bearing inner race using Tool.
To prevent damage to bearing, engage puller jaws in groove.

Tool number A: ST33081000

B: ST30021000

Fig 11: Removing Side Bearing Inner Race
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
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.
- Be careful not to confuse left-hand and right-hand parts. Keep bearing and bearing race for each side together.
  
  Fig 12: Identifying Left-Hand And Right-Hand Drive Gear
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Loosen drive gear bolts in a crisscross pattern.
Tap drive gear off the differential case with a soft hammer.
- Tap evenly all around to keep the drive gear from bending.
  
  Fig 13: Taping Drive Gear Differential Case
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Drive out pinion mate shaft lock pin with suitable punch from drive gear side.

Fig 14: Punching From Drive Gear Side
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the pinion mate shaft.

Fig 15: Identifying 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 16: Identifying Pinion Mate Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.