Differential Cover: Service and Repair

Rear Cover and Gasket Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Clean all of the dirt from the axle housing cover area.




3. Remove the cover bolts. Place a container under the axle housing in order to retrieve the lubricant.
4. Remove the cover from the axle housing. Pry the cover loose.
5. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.




6. Remove the fill plug.
7. Clean the gasket surfaces on the axle housing and the carrier cover


Installation Procedure




1. Install the new gasket.
2. Install the cover.
3. Install the cover bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 27 N.m (20 lb ft) in a crosswise pattern.
4. Replenish the axle housing with new lubricant to a level within 9.5 mm (3/8 in) of the fill plug hole.





5. Reinstall the fill plug.
Tighten
Tighten the fill plug to 32 N.m (24 lb ft).
6. Lower the vehicle.