GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2001 🢒 Catera 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Differential Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    2. Object Number: 218635 Size: SH
  2. Support the differential with a transmission jack (1).
  3. Disconnect the ABS sensor electrical connectors (2).
  4. Remove the left and right wheel drive shafts. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  6. Remove the rear propeller shaft coupling.

    7. Object Number: 229073 Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the automatic level control height sensor link.

    8. Object Number: 218638 Size: SH
  8. Remove the differential support bracket bolts (1).

    9. Object Number: 218642 Size: SH
  9. Remove the differential bushing bolts (1).
  10. Slowly lower the transmission jack in order to remove the differential from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure
  1. Using the transmission jack in order to raise the differential to the vehicle, install the differential.

    2. Object Number: 218642 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the differential bushing bolts (1).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the differential bushing bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 218638 Size: SH
  3. Install the differential support bracket bolts (1).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the differential support bracket bolts to 90 N·m (66 lb ft) then an additional 38 degrees.

  4. Install the rear propeller shaft coupling.
  5. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  6. Install the left and right wheel drive shafts. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.

    7. Object Number: 229073 Size: SH
  7. Connect the automatic level control height sensor link.

    8. Object Number: 218635 Size: SH
  8. Connect the ABS sensor electrical connectors (2).
  9. Remove the transmission jack (1).
  10. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to Lubricant Level Check .
  11. Lower the vehicle.