GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • DT 46461 (DW240-130) Differential Preload Adapter
    • DT 46462 (DW240-140) Transaxle Case Side Bearing Outer Race Adapter
    • DT 46465 (DW240-170) Adapter Handle
    • DT 46471 (DW260-031-01) Transaxle Housing Oil Seal Installer
    • DT 47521 (DW260-031-02) Transaxle Case Oil Seal Installer

    Object Number: 1245951  Size: SH
  1. Using DT 46462  (2) and DT 46465  (1), install a new side bearing outer race into the transaxle housing.

  2. Object Number: 1245930  Size: SH

    Note: Install a shim of the same thickness as the one removed.

  3. Install the shim into the transaxle case.
  4. Install a new side bearing outer race into the transaxle case.

  5. Object Number: 1248138  Size: SH
  6. Coat the thrust washers, side gears, pinion gears, and pinion thrust washers with automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
  7. Install the differential side gear thrust washers onto the differential side gears.

  8. Object Number: 1248135  Size: SH
  9. Install the side gears with thrust washers, pinion gears, and pinion thrust washers into the differential case.
  10. Coat the pinion shaft with ATF.

  11. Object Number: 1248137  Size: SH
  12. Install the pinion shaft and align the lock pin holes on the pinion shaft and differential case.

  13. Object Number: 1248139  Size: SH

    Note: If the backlash is out of specification, install the correct thrust washer to the side gear.

  14. Measure the side gear backlash while holding one pinion gear toward the case.
  15. Specifications
    The standard backlash is 0.05-0.2 mm (0.002-0.0079 in).

    Note: 

       • Try to select washers of the same size for both sides.
       • If the backlash is not within the specification, install a thrust washer of a different thickness.

  16. Select thrust washers which will ensure that the backlash is within the specification. Refer to Transmission General Specifications.

  17. Object Number: 1248136  Size: SH
  18. Using a hammer and punch, drive the pin through the case and the pinion shaft.

  19. Object Number: 1248144  Size: SH
  20. Using a hammer and chisel, stake the differential case.

  21. Object Number: 1248142  Size: SH
  22. Using a press, install the tapered roller bearing into the differential case.

  23. Object Number: 1248140  Size: SH
  24. Using a press, install the tapered roller bearing into the differential case.
  25. Remove any foreign material. Do not get oil on the contacting surfaces of the transaxle housing or transaxle case.

  26. Object Number: 1248141  Size: SH
  27. Install the differential into the transaxle case.

  28. Object Number: 1245883  Size: SH
  29. Install the transaxle housing temporarily.
  30. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  31. Install the transaxle bolts and tighten eight of them to 29 N·m (22 lb ft).

  32. Object Number: 1245959  Size: SH
  33. Using DT 46461 , turn the differential gear assembly right and left 2-3 times to allow the bearing to settle.

  34. Object Number: 1245955  Size: SH

    Note: If the preload is not within specifications, remove the differential from the transaxle case.

  35. Using DT 46461 and a small torque wrench, measure the preload of the differential gear.
  36. Specifications

        • New bearing preload is 0.78-1.37 N·m (6.9-12.2 lb in).
        • Used bearing preload is 0.39-0.69 N·m (3.5-6.1 lb in).
  37. Re-select the transaxle case side adjusting the shim according to the shim thickness table. Refer to Transmission General Specifications.

  38. Object Number: 1245883  Size: SH
  39. Using a plastic hammer, remove the bolts and transaxle housing.

  40. Object Number: 1248141  Size: SH
  41. Remove the differential gear from the transaxle case.

  42. Object Number: 1248146  Size: SH
  43. Clean the contact surface of the differential case.
  44. Heat the ring gear in water and boil for 10 minutes.
  45. Carefully remove the ring gear from the water.
  46. After the moisture on the ring gear has completely evaporated, quickly install the ring gear to the differential case.

  47. Object Number: 1248132  Size: SH
  48. Install the bolts and tighten to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).

  49. Object Number: 1245952  Size: SH
  50. Using DT 46471  (1) and a hammer, drive in a new transaxle housing oil seal.
  51. Specifications
    The oil seal in depth is 3.1 mm (0.122 in).


    Object Number: 1245949  Size: SH
  52. Using DT 47521  (1), drive in a new transaxle case oil seal.
  53. Specifications
    The oil seal in depth is 4.3 mm (0.169 in).