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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 941 (REAR DRIVE AXLE)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSDIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENTREMOVAL PROCEDURE
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Removal Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. 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 and pinion gearset, perform the bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the carrier.
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tires and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  4. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  5. Install the J 45222 to the axle housing as shown.
    6. Fig 1: Installing J 45222 To Axle Housing
    G01705415Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the J 8001-1 (2), the J 8001-2 (3), the J 34178 (4, 6), and the J 8001-1 (5) as shown.
    7. Fig 2: Installing J 8001-1, J 8001-2, J 34178, And J 8001-1
    G01705416Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Preload the J 8001-1 (5) approximately 1 revolution.
  8. Move the housing of the J 8001-1 (5) until the needle indicates zero.
  9. Spread the axle housing by turning the clevis screw of the J 34178 until the needle of the J 8001-1 indicates 1.02 mm (0.040 in).
    10. Fig 3: Spreading Axle Housing
    G01705417Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the bearing caps bolts and the caps. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
    CAUTION: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.
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.