Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Manual Transaxle: Differential
The ends of the differential are supported on tapered roller differential bearings. The cups for these differential bearings are seated in the transaxle case and the flywheel housing. Differential bearing preload is set using a selective differential bearing shim that is installed under the differential bearing cup in the transaxle case.
The differential includes the differential side gears and the shaft mounted differential pinion gears. Direct contact between the gears and the differential case is prevented by the differential side gear thrust washers installed under the gears. The differential pinion shaft is held in position by a differential pinion shaft lock pin that extends through the end of the differential pinion shaft and the differential case.
The speedometer drive gear is also mounted on the differential case. It is located between the tapered roller differential bearing and the differential case. A tab on the speedometer drive gear and a matching slot in the differential case prevent the speedometer drive gear from spinning on the differential case.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.