Removing your car’s differential might seem like a daunting task best left to professionals. However, with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a project you can tackle at home. This guide will walk you through the process of safely removing your car’s differential, even without a professional lift, focusing on the tools you’ll need and the steps involved.
Essential Tools for Differential Removal
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and prevent frustrating interruptions. Here’s a list of tools, some of which are specialized but crucial for this job:
- Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting and supporting your vehicle. Ensure your jack and jack stands are rated for your car’s weight.
- Wheel Chocks: For added safety, use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling while it’s lifted.
- Socket Set (Metric): A comprehensive set with various sizes, including 13mm, 19mm, and potentially others specific to your vehicle.
- Wrenches (Metric): Combination wrenches and an adjustable wrench (or pipe wrench) are needed. A 46mm open-end wrench is particularly important for the driveshaft bolt.
- XZN (Triple Square) Socket Set: Specifically, a 10mm XZN socket is required for the axle bolts. These are not standard sockets, so make sure you have the right set.
- Hex Key Set (Metric): Sizes 8mm, 12mm, and 14mm will be necessary for various components.
- Breaker Bar: For loosening stubborn bolts, especially the axle bolts which are often secured tightly.
- Extensions: Socket extensions of various lengths will help reach bolts in tight spaces.
- Pry Bar: For gently prying components apart, like separating the driveshaft from the differential. A drift (punch) could also be useful.
- Engine Degreaser and Wire Brush: To clean dirty bolts and ensure proper tool seating.
- Penetrating Oil: To help loosen rusted or seized bolts.
- Gloves and Safety Glasses: Essential personal protective equipment.
- Floor Jack (Optional but Recommended): To support the exhaust system and the differential itself during removal.
- Drain Pan (If Draining Differential Fluid): While not strictly necessary for removal, draining the fluid can reduce weight and mess.
Step-by-Step Differential Removal Guide
This guide assumes you are working on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle and adapting from the original procedure. Always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
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Vehicle Preparation and Safety:
- Safety First: Park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
- Lift the Vehicle: Using your jack, raise both rear wheels and securely place jack stands under the vehicle’s frame rails. Ensure the car is stable before proceeding. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Remove Rear Wheels: Take off both rear wheels to access the differential and related components.
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Exhaust System Adjustment:
- Detach Exhaust Supports: Locate the rubber exhaust supports near the rear muffler and any subsequent supports. Typically, these are held by rubber hangers and sometimes bolts (often 13mm). Refer to Pic #1 and 2 from the original article for visual guidance.
- Lower the Exhaust: Carefully detach the rubber supports. A floor jack can be used to gently lower the exhaust system and provide support. For V8 models, be aware that the complete exhaust system might need removal as per your service manual.
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ABS Sensor (If Applicable):
- Disconnect ABS Sensor: If your vehicle has ABS but not ASR, the manual might recommend removing the ABS speed sensor. Consult your manual for the exact procedure.
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Heat Shield Removal:
- Remove Center Exhaust Shield: Locate the center exhaust shield, usually held by 8mm bolts. With the exhaust lowered, you should be able to maneuver and remove this shield. Pic #3 in the original article might offer visual aid.
- Front Exhaust Support (Optional): Removing the front exhaust support (where the heat shield attaches) might provide extra working space, though this is optional. It’s usually held by 13mm bolts.
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Driveshaft Support Bearing:
- Unbolt Driveshaft Support: Identify the center driveshaft support bearing and remove the two 13mm bolts securing it.
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Driveshaft Separation:
- Mark Driveshaft (Optional but Recommended): As a precaution, mark the driveshaft flanges with paint or a marker before separation. This helps maintain the original orientation during reassembly if the shaft separates.
- Loosen Driveshaft Bolt: Locate the large bolt connecting the driveshaft to the differential flange. This often requires a 46mm open-end wrench or a large adjustable wrench. With the car in park (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (for manual transmissions), use the transmission to counter-hold the driveshaft while loosening this bolt.
- Separate Driveshaft: Once the bolt is loose, carefully separate the driveshaft from the differential flange. A pry bar may be helpful. Support the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping. Pic #4 from the original article shows the driveshaft bolts removed.
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Flex Disc Inspection and Removal (If Necessary):
- Unbolt Flex Disc: Remove the 3 bolts (typically 19mm) connecting the flex disc (guibo) to the differential. This allows for inspection of the flex disc for wear and tear.
- Inspect Flex Disc: Check the flex disc for cracks, deterioration, or damage. Replace if necessary.
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Axle Shaft Bolt Removal:
- Access Axle Bolts: Locate the axle bolts on both sides of the differential, connecting the axle shafts to the differential. There are usually 6 bolts per side, requiring a 10mm XZN socket. Refer to Pic #5.
- Clean Bolts: These bolts are often dirty. Clean them with engine degreaser and a wire brush to ensure the XZN socket seats properly.
- Loosen Axle Bolts: Use a breaker bar and the 10mm XZN socket to loosen these bolts. They are typically secured with threadlocker and can be very tight. The parking brake can help prevent the axle from turning while loosening the bolts.
- Remove Axle Bolts: Once loosened, use an extension to fully remove the axle bolts. Work methodically, rotating the axle to access all bolts. Note the limited space and the need to maneuver the XZN socket due to the axle boot and frame.
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Differential Removal:
- Support the Differential: Before removing the final differential mounting bolts, ensure the differential is supported. Use a floor jack positioned under the differential housing to take its weight.
- Remove Differential Mounting Bolts: Locate and remove the bolts securing the differential to the car’s chassis or subframe. These bolts vary in size and location depending on the vehicle model.
- Lower the Differential: Slowly lower the floor jack, carefully maneuvering the differential down and away from the vehicle.
Conclusion
Removing a car differential at home is a challenging but achievable task with the right preparation and tools. While a professional lift can simplify access, this guide demonstrates that it’s possible even with just jack stands. Investing in quality tools like XZN sockets and a good wrench set is crucial. Remember to prioritize safety, consult your vehicle’s repair manual, and take your time. This DIY approach can save you money and provide a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s mechanics. Always ensure you have a safe and stable working environment before undertaking any car repair project.
