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Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2003 >> Sentra SE-R, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1577 (Front Final Drive) >> Front Final Drive Assembly >> Disassembly and Assembly >> Assembly >> Differential Assembly
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Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Titan. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Apply gear oil to contact surfaces of each gear, thrust washers and differential case.
  2. Install the removed thrust washer or same thickness washer to side gear.
    Fig 1: Installing Thrust Washer Or Same Thickness Washer To Side Gear
    G03603002Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  3. Install the side gears, thrust washers, pinion mate gears and thrust washers into differential case.
    Fig 2: Installing Side Gears, Thrust Washers, Pinion Mate Gears And Thrust Washers Into Differential Case
    G03603003Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. Install pinion mate shaft to differential case so that it meets lock pin holes.
  5. 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
    G03603004Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. 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: Installing Lock Pin Into Pinion Mate Shaft
    G03603005Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. Apply gear oil to gear tooth surfaces and thrust surfaces and check to see they turn properly.
  8. Install differential case assembly on drive gear.
    • Tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern, lightly tapping bolt head with a hammer.
      Fig 5: Applying Gear Oil To Gear Tooth Surfaces & Thrust Surfaces
      G03603006Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  9. Place differential case on drive gear. Tighten bolts in a crisscross fashion.
    Fig 6: Placing Differential Case On Drive Gear
    G03603007Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  10. Press-fit side bearing inner race on differential case using Tools.

    Tool number A: KV38100300 (J-25523) 

    B: ST33081000 ( - ) 

    Fig 7: Installing Bearing Inner Race On Differential Case
    G03603008Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  11. Install side bearing adjust nut into gear carrier.
  12. Install differential case assembly with side bearing outer races into gear carrier.
    Fig 8: Installing Differential Case Assembly With Side Bearing Outer Races Into Gear Carrier
    G03603009Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  13. 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: Aligning Mark On Bearing Cap With Mark On Gear Carrier
      G03603010Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  14. Tighten each side bearing adjust nuts alternately turning drive gear.
  15. 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 & Drive Gear To Drive Pinion Backlash
    G03603011Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  16. After adjusting tooth contact and drive gear to drive pinion backlash, fix adjuster with screws and tighten cap bolt to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
  17. Fig 11: Fixing Adjuster With Screws & Tightening Cap Bolt
    G03603012Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  18. Check total preload torque. Refer to "TOTAL PRELOAD TORQUE ".
  19. Apply sealant to mating surface of rear cover.
    CAUTION: Remove old sealant adhering to mounting surfaces. Also remove any moisture, oil, or foreign material adhering to application and mounting surfaces.
  20. Install rear cover on gear carrier and tighten mounting bolts with the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
  21. Apply multi-purpose grease to cavity at sealing lips of oil seal. Install side oil seal.
  22. Fig 12: Applying Multi-Purpose Grease To Cavity At Sealing Lips Of Oil Seal
    G03603013Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  23. Install new O-ring and extension tube.
    CAUTION: If the extension tube is being replaced, install a new axle shaft bearing.
  24. Install side shaft and side flange.
    Fig 13: Installing O-Ring And Extension Tube With Torque Specifications
    G03603014Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.