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HOMESERVICE MANUALSPONTIAC2008GRAND PRIX BASEREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 44 (REAR DRIVE AXLE)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSDIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENTREMOVAL PROCEDURE
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Base

Removal Procedure

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix BaseSECTION Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Hummer H2. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
IMPORTANT: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the ring gear and drive pinion, the differential side bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check procedures must be performed in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you re-install or replace the differential assembly without replacing any other component (i.e. drive pinion and ring gear, differential side bearings, etc.) then you may re-install the differential assembly with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the differential assembly.
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tires and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
  4. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  5. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  6. Disconnect the electronic locking differential coil harness connector.
    7. Fig 1: Positive Terminal Lock Reinforcer
    GM841763Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Remove the positive terminal lock reinforcer using the J 38125-552.
    8. Fig 2: Pushing On Terminal Release Tabs Within Connector Housing Using J 38125-12A
    GM841772Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Disconnect the terminals from the electronic locking differential coil connector by pushing on the terminal release tabs within the connector housing using the J 38125-12A.
    9. Fig 3: Electronic Locking Differential Coil Connector Housing
    GM841758Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the electronic locking differential coil connector housing.
    10. Fig 4: Differential Bearing Adjuster Nut Lock
    GM667492Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the right side differential bearing adjuster nut lock.
    11. Fig 5: Locking Differential Coil Assembly Lock Bolt
    GM841754Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Remove the locking differential coil assembly lock bolt.

    Do nut reuse the bolt.

  12. Remove the locking differential coil assembly lock.
    13. Fig 6: Left Side Differential Bearing Bolts
    GM841742Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the left side differential bearing bolts.
  14. Remove the left side differential bearing cap.
    15. Fig 7: Locking Differential Coil Assembly Wiring From Axle Housing
    GM841717Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Remove the locking differential coil assembly wiring from the axle housing.
    16. Fig 8: Identifying Bearing Cap Bolt
    GM667502Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.