Differential Case Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Titan. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove side bearing inner race.
To prevent damage to bearing, engage puller jaws in groove.

Tool number A :ST33081000 (-)

Tool number B : ST30021000 (-)
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.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Side Bearing
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Be careful not to confuse left-hand and right-hand parts. Keep bearing and bearing race for each side together.
Fig 2: Labeling Left And Right Bearings & Races
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Loosen drive gear mounting bolts in a crisscross fashion.
Tap drive gear off the differential case with a soft hammer.
- Tap evenly all around to keep the drive gear from bending.
Fig 3: Tap Drive Gear Off The Differential Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Drive out pinion mate shaft lock pin with punch from drive gear side.

Fig 4: Drive Out Pinion Mate Shaft Lock Pin
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the pinion mate shaft.

Fig 5: Removing The 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 6: Turning The Pinion Mate Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check mating surfaces of differential case, side gears, pinion mate gears, pinion mate shaft and thrust washers.

Fig 7: Check Mating Surfaces Of Components

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.