Differential Case Bearings and Ring Gear

Tools Required:

• Differential Side Bearing Replacer T57L-4221-A
• Dial Indicator with Bracketry TOOL-4201-C

If the ring gear runout check (before disassembly) exceeds specification, the condition may be caused by a warped ring gear, a damaged case or loss of differential bearing preload. To determine the cause of excessive runout, proceed as follows:

1. With the pinion removed, place differential case/gear subassembly with bearings and cups in carrier.
   
   
   
   

2. Install a 0.265-inch shim on the LH side of subassembly.
   
   
   
   

3. Install the LH bearing cap finger-tight.
   
   
   
   

4. Install progressively larger shims on the RH side until the largest shim selected can be assembled with a slight drag feel.
   
   
   
   

5. Install the RH side bearing cap. Install bearing cap bolts. Tighten both RH and LH bolts to 95-115 Nm (70-85 lb-ft).

6. Rotate the assembly to ensure free rotation.
   
   
   
   

7. Install Dial Indicator with Bracketry TOOL-4201-C or equivalent. Check and note ring gear runout.
   
   
   
   

8. If the runout is within specification, the original out of specification runout was caused by insufficient differential bearing preload. If runout exceeds specification, proceed to step 9.

9. Remove the differential case from the carrier.
   
   
   
   

10. After removing ring gear bolts, remove ring gear using a drift that will bottom in ring gear bolt holes. Strike at alternate holes around the gear.
    
    
    
    

11. Install differential assembly, including bearing cups and shims, in axle housing.
    
    
    
    

12. Tighten bearing cap bolts to 95-115 Nm (70-85 lb-ft) and rotate assembly to ensure proper seating of differential bearings.
    
    
    
    

13. Check runout of differential case flange with a Dial Indicator with Bracketry TOOL-4201-C or equivalent. If runout is within specification, 0.076mm max. (0.003 inch), install a new ring and pinion gear. If runout exceeds specification, ring gear is true and trouble is due to either a damaged case or bearings. Visually inspect bearings. If bearings are not damaged, replace both case and bearings. Recheck runout with new parts (case and bearings).
    
    
    
    

14. Press new differential bearings on case hubs using Differential Side Bearing Replacer T57L-4221-A1 and install differential assembly in carrier without ring gear.

    NOTE: Press against the bearing cone only.

15. Check case runout again with new bearings. If runout is now within limits, use new bearings for assembly. If runout is still excessive, case is damaged and should be replaced.