Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 342

4A-18 1972 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
and sleeve set J 22042 and slide hammer J 2619 (Fig.
4A-2 1).
9. Loosen case from housing with slide hammer until it
is free. Safety bolts installed in step 7 will catch as-
sembl y
.
10. Support case assembly in one hand and remove safety
bolts. CAREFULLY remove case so as not to let
bearing races or shims fall from housing.
NOTE: Place right and left bearing outer race
and shim in sets with marked bearing caps.
Measure thickness of each shim and record.
DISASSEMBLE
1. All models, before disassembling differential case, in-
spect differential side bearings for visible damage of
rollers and outer races.
2. Place one outer race onto its matching inner race and
roller assembly and turn slowly, applying hand load.
3. If bearing outer race turns smoothly and no visible
damage is found, bearing can probably be reused.
4. Repeat above operation with other outer race and
matching bearin'g.
NOTE: Side bearings and their outer races are
matched parts. I f either bearing is to be re-
placed, its matching outer race must also be
replaced.
5. Inspect fit of inner races on case hubs by prying
against shoulders at puller recesses. Bearing inner
races must be tight on case hubs.
NOTE: I f either bearing is loose on case, the
entire case must be replaced.
6. If bearing inspection indicates that bearings should
be replaced, insert differential case in vise and remove
side bearing, using side bearing puller J 8107 and
adapter J 8107-2 or a suitable puller (Fig. 4A-20).
7. Turn differential case in vise and remove other side
bearing in same manner.
8. Remove pinion shaft locking bolt and washer.
9. Drive pinion shaft out of case, using brass drift (Fig.
4A-2 1).
10. Remove differential pinion gears, thrust washers and
side gears. Place them in sets so they may be rein-
stalled in their original position.
NOTE: Ring gear to case bolts have left hand
threads.
11. If ring gear is to be removed, clamp case in vise so
jaws are 90" to pinion shaft holes. Remove ring gear
retaining bolts.
12. Partially reinstall two bolts on opposite sides of ring
gear.
C A UTI 0 N : Do not pry bet ween case and ring
gear.
13. Remove ring gear from case by alternately tapping on
bolts.
Fig. 4 A - 2 0 Removing Differential Side Bearings
Fig. 4 A - 2 1 Removing Pinion Shaft