Differential Cover: Service and Repair

Differential Housing Cover













Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

2. If equipped, remove the exhaust insulator located near the differential housing cover using soapy water.

3. NOTE: Drain the differential fluid into a suitable drain pan.
Remove the 10 bolts and the rear differential housing cover.

- Drain the differential fluid from the housing.


Installation

1. NOTE: Make sure the machined surfaces on the rear axle housing and the differential housing cover are clean and free of oil before installing the new silicone sealant. The inside of the rear axle must be covered when cleaning the machined surface to prevent contamination.
Clean the gasket mating surfaces of the differential housing and the differential housing cover.


2. NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new silicone must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone has correctly cured.

Apply a new continuous bead of clear silicone rubber as shown in the illustration.






3. Install the differential housing cover and the 10 bolts.
- Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).


4. Remove the filler plug and fill the rear axle with 1.15L (2.43 pt) of rear axle lubricant, 3-5 mm (0.118-0.196 in) below the bottom of the filler hole.
- Install the filler plug and tighten to 29 Nm (21 lb-ft).


5. If equipped, install the exhaust insulator located near the differential housing cover.