LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2004 >> Sentra SE-R >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1671 (Front Final Drive) >> Front Final Drive Assembly >> Disassembly and Assembly >> Disassembly >> Differential Assembly
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Differential Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove side shaft assembly. Refer to , "SIDE SHAFT "
  2. Remove rear cover bolts.
  3. Separate the rear cover from the gear carrier using Tool.

    Tool number : KV10111100 (J-37228) 

    CAUTION:
    • Do not damage the mating surface.
    • Do not insert flat-bladed screwdriver, this will damage the mating surface.
    Fig 1: Separating Rear Cover From Gear Carrier Using Tool
    G04175085Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. For proper reinstallation, paint matching marks on one side of the 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 2: Identifying Matching Mark
    G04175086Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  5. Remove bearing caps.
    Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Caps
    G04175087Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. Lift differential case assembly out using suitable tool.
    Fig 4: Lifting Differential Case Assembly Out Using Suitable Tool
    G04175088Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    CAUTION:
    • Keep side bearing outer races together with inner race. Do not mix them up.
    • Keep side bearing adjusting washers together with bearings.
    Fig 5: Identifying Differential Assembly
    G04175089Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. Remove housing spacer.
  8. Remove side bearing inner races, using Tools.

    Tool number A: ST33051001 (J-22888-20) 

    B: ST33061000 (J-8107-2) 

    Fig 6: Removing Side Bearing Inner Races Using Tools
    G04175090Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    CAUTION:
    • Place copper plates between the side bearing and drive gear and the vise to prevent damage.
    • Do not remove side bearing inner race unless it is being replaced.
  9. For proper reinstallation, paint matching mark on one side of differential case assembly.
    CAUTION: Use paint for matching mark. Do not damage differential case or drive gear.
    Fig 7: Identifying Matching Mark
    G04175091Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  10. Remove drive gear bolts.
  11. Tap drive gear off differential case assembly using suitable tool.
    CAUTION: Tap evenly all around to keep drive gear from bending.
  12. Remove lock pin of pinion mate shaft from drive gear side using suitable tool.
    Fig 8: Identifying Lock Pin Of Pinion Mate Shaft
    G04175092Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  13. Remove pinion mate shaft.
    Fig 9: Identifying Pinion Mate Shaft
    G04175093Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  14. Turn pinion mate gear, then remove pinion mate gear, pinion mate thrust washer, side gear and side gear thrust washer from differential case.
    Fig 10: Identifying Pinion Mate Gear
    G04175094Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.