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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2006SSR AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISDRIVELINES & AXLESDIFFERENTIALS & DRIVE AXLESREAR DRIVE AXLEREPAIR INSTRUCTIONSDIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENTREMOVAL PROCEDURE
2006 Chevrolet SSR Automatic

Removal Procedure

2006 Chevrolet SSR AutomaticSECTION Removal Procedure
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 assembly without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the 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 in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear axle tie rod. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
    3. IMPORTANT: If the differential assembly is to be re-installed, install the thrust block and the thrust block lock bolt after removing the axle shafts in order to retain the alignment of the differential gears.
  3. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  4. Loosen the bearing cap bolts.

    Do not remove the bearing cap bolts at this time.

    5. Fig 1: Installing J 45222 Onto Axle Housing
    GM788484Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Install the J 45222  onto the axle housing as shown. See Special Tools .
    6. Fig 2: J 8001-1, J 8001-2, J 34178, & J 8001-3
    GM788485Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the J 8001-1 (2), the J 8001-2 (3), the J 34178  (4, 6), and the J 8001-3 (5) as shown. See Special Tools .
  7. Preload the J 8001-3 (5) approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
  8. Rotate the indicator housing to align the indicator needle of the J 8001-3 (5) and the dial indicator face to ZERO.
  9. Spread the axle housing by turning the clevis screw of the J 34178  while observing the J 8001-3. See Special Tools .

    Spread the housing just enough to remove the differential assembly. Do not spread the housing more than 1.02 mm (0.040 in).

    10. Fig 3: View Of Bearing Caps Bolts
    GM788491Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the bearing caps bolts and the caps. Mark the bearing caps left and right.
    11. 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.