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.

2007 Lexus ES 350FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Differential Case: Reassembly

INSTALL DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR
1. Coat the 2 front differential side gears, 2 side gear thrust washers, 2 front differential pinions and 2 pinion thrust washers with ATF and install them to the differential case.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Front Differential Pinions, Front Differential Side Gears And Side Gear Thrust Washers
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSTALL FRONT NO. 1 DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT
1. Coat the front No. 1 differential pinion shaft with ATF, and install it to the differential case.
Fig 2: Installing Front No 1 Differential Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR BACKLASH (See INSPECTION )
INSTALL FRONT DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT STRAIGHT PIN
1. Using a pin punch (3 mm) and hammer, install the pinion shaft straight pin.
  NOTE: Align the holes, and install the pinion shaft straight pin.

Factory Service Tools

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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.