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.
2006 Toyota Sienna AWD V6-3.3L (3MZ-FE)FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Differential Assembly: Service Precautions
PRECAUTION
NOTICE:
1. Before disassembly, clean the outside of the rear differential assembly and remove any sand or mud to prevent it from entering the inside of the assembly during disassembly and reassembly.
2. When removing a connected part made of light alloy such as a rear differential carrier cover, tap it off with a plastic hammer. Do not attempt to pry it off with a screwdriver.
3. Always arrange disassembled parts in order and protect them from dust.
4. Before reassembly, thoroughly clean and dry each part or then apply hypoid gear oil LSD to it. Do not use alkaline cleaner for aluminum or rubber parts and ring gear set bolts. Also, do not clean rubber parts such as O-rings or oil seals with white gasoline.
5. Coat any sliding surface and rotating part with hypoid gear oil LSD.
6. When holding a component part in a vise, be sure to place an aluminum sheet under the part. Do not put it directly on the vise.
7. Be careful not to damage the contact surfaces of the case. Such damage may cause oil leakage.
8. Before applying sealant, remove deposited oil sealant and clean the part to be sealed using white gasoline.
9. Do not apply oil immediately after installing sealed parts. Leave it for at least an hour.
10. Damage on the surface of an oil seal, O-ring or gasket may cause oil leakage.
11. When press-fitting an oil seal, be careful not to damage the oil seal lip and outside periphery.
12. When replacing a bearing, replace the inner and outer races as a set.
NOTICE:
1. Before disassembly, clean the outside of the rear differential assembly and remove any sand or mud to prevent it from entering the inside of the assembly during disassembly and reassembly.
2. When removing a connected part made of light alloy such as a rear differential carrier cover, tap it off with a plastic hammer. Do not attempt to pry it off with a screwdriver.
3. Always arrange disassembled parts in order and protect them from dust.
4. Before reassembly, thoroughly clean and dry each part or then apply hypoid gear oil LSD to it. Do not use alkaline cleaner for aluminum or rubber parts and ring gear set bolts. Also, do not clean rubber parts such as O-rings or oil seals with white gasoline.
5. Coat any sliding surface and rotating part with hypoid gear oil LSD.
6. When holding a component part in a vise, be sure to place an aluminum sheet under the part. Do not put it directly on the vise.
7. Be careful not to damage the contact surfaces of the case. Such damage may cause oil leakage.
8. Before applying sealant, remove deposited oil sealant and clean the part to be sealed using white gasoline.
9. Do not apply oil immediately after installing sealed parts. Leave it for at least an hour.
10. Damage on the surface of an oil seal, O-ring or gasket may cause oil leakage.
11. When press-fitting an oil seal, be careful not to damage the oil seal lip and outside periphery.
12. When replacing a bearing, replace the inner and outer races as a set.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.
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