Disassembly And Assembly Of Subassemblies: Differential: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the differential.
- Inspect for damaged or worn gears.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged gear case.
Remove the differential cover.
1. Remove the differential cover bolts.
2. Remove the differential cover screws.
3. Remove the differential cover.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Differential Cover Screws
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential side gear thrust washer and differential side gear.

Fig 2: Removing Differential Side Gear Thrust Washer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft lock pins.

Fig 3: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Pins
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft cage.
1. Remove the differential pinion shafts.
2. Remove the differential pinion shaft cage.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft Cage
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion gears and thrust washers.

Fig 5: Removing Differential Pinion Gears And Thrust Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential side gear and thrust washer.

Fig 6: Removing Differential Side Gear And Thrust Washer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools, remove the bearing (speedometer drive gear side).

Fig 7: Removing Bearing (Speedometer Drive Gear Side) Using SST
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the speedometer drive gear.
Remove the differential bearing.

Fig 8: Removing Differential Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.