LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2004 >> Sentra SE-R Spec V >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 2012 (Rear Final Drive) >> Rear Final Drive Assembly >> Disassembly and Assembly >> Assembly >> Differential Assembly
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install side gear thrust washers with the same thickness as the ones installed prior to disassembly, or reinstall the old ones on the side gears.
    Fig 1: Identifying Side Gear Thrust Washers
    G04876378
  2. Install the side gears and side gear thrust washers into the differential case.
    CAUTION: Make sure that the circular clip is installed to side gears.
  3. Install the pinion mate thrust washers to the two pinion mate gears. Then install the pinion mate gears with the pinion mate thrust washers by aligning them in diagonally opposite positions and rotating them into the differential case.
    Fig 2: Identifying Pinion Mate Gears Into Differential Case
    G04876379
  4. Align the lock pin hole on the differential case with the lock pin hole on the pinion mate shaft, and install the pinion mate shaft.
    Fig 3: Aligning Lock Pin Holes On Differential Case With Shaft
    G04876380
  5. Measure the side gear end play. If necessary, select the appropriate side gear thrust washers. Refer to "SIDE GEAR BACK CLEARANCE ".
  6. Drive a new lock pin into the pinion mate shaft until it is flush with the differential case using suitable tool.
    CAUTION: Do not reuse lock pin.
    Fig 4: Identifying Lock Pin Into Pinion Mate Shaft
    G04901977
  7. Align the matching mark of the differential case with the mark of the drive gear, then place the drive gear onto the differential case.
    Fig 5: Aligning Matching Mark Of Differential Case
    G04876382
  8. Apply thread locking sealant into the threaded holes of the drive gear and install the bolts.
    • Use Genuine Medium Strength Thread Locking Sealant or equivalent. Refer to "RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS ".
      CAUTION: Make sure the drive gear back and threaded holes are clean.
      Fig 6: Applying Thread Locking Sealant Into Thread Hole Of Drive Gear
      G04876383
  9. Tighten the drive gear bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ". After tightening the drive gear bolts to the specified torque, tighten an additional 31° to 36° using Tool.

    Tool number : KV10112100-A (BT-8653-A) 

    CAUTION:
    • Always use Tool. Avoid tightening based on visual check alone.
    • Tighten drive gear bolts in a crisscross pattern.
    Fig 7: Identifying Drive Gear Bolts
    G04876384
  10. Press the side bearing inner races into the differential case using Tools.

    Tool number A: KV38100300 (J-25523) 

    B: ST33061000 (J-8107-2) 

    CAUTION: Do not reuse side bearing inner race.
    Fig 8: Pressing Side Bearing Inner Races Into Differential Case
    G04876385
  11. Install the differential case assembly with the side bearing outer races into the gear carrier.
    Fig 9: Identifying Differential Case Assembly With Side Bearing Outer Races
    G04876422
  12. Measure the side bearing preload torque. If necessary, select the appropriate side bearing adjusting washers. Refer to "SIDE BEARING PRELOAD TORQUE ".
  13. Insert the selected left and right side bearing adjusting washers in place between the side bearings and gear carrier.
    Fig 10: Inserting Left And Right Side Bearing Adjusting Washers
    G04876436
  14. Install the side bearing caps with the matching marks aligned and tighten the side bearing cap bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
    Fig 11: Aligning Matching Mark On Bearing Cap With Matching Mark On Gear Carrier
    G04901984
  15. Check and adjust the drive gear runout, tooth contact, drive gear to drive pinion backlash, and total preload torque. Refer to "DRIVE GEAR RUNOUT ", "TOOTH CONTACT ", "BACKLASH " and "TOTAL PRELOAD TORQUE ".

    Recheck the above items.

  16. Install the side flanges. Refer to "SIDE FLANGE ".
  17. Apply a 3.2mm (0.126 in) bead of sealant to the mating surface of the carrier cover.
    CAUTION: Remove any old sealant adhering to the mating surfaces. Also remove any moisture, oil, or foreign material adhering to the application and mating surfaces.
    Fig 12: Applying Sealant To Mating Surface Of Rear Cover
    G04901931
  18. Install the carrier cover to the gear carrier. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "COMPONENTS ".
  19. Install the side flange. Refer to "SIDE FLANGE ".
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals