Differential Carrier Assembly Removal

Using a 10 mm socket hexagon wrench, remove the rear differential drain plug and gasket, and drain the oil.

Install a new gasket to the rear differential drain plug.

Using a 10 mm socket hexagon wrench, install the rear differential drain plug and gasket.

for 1AZ-FE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000000YLT03CX.html)

for 2AZ-FE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000000YLT02ZX.html)

for 2GR-FE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000000YLT02YX.html)

for 3ZR-FAE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000000YLT033X.html)

for 1AZ-FE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000001XBK002X_01_0002.html)

for 2AZ-FE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000001XBN01AX_01_0004.html)

for 2GR-FE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM00000252S007X_01_0009.html)

for 3ZR-FAE:
(RAV4_ACA30 RM000001XBN01BX.html)

Remove the 2 bolts and 2 adjusting washers, and disconnect the propeller with center bearing shaft.

NOTICE:

1. During the removal, do not exert excessive force on the universal joint.
   
2. When removing, transporting or storing the propeller with center bearing shaft assembly, do not allow the No. 2 joint angle to exceed 20°.
   

Place matchmarks on the differential carrier and propeller shaft.

Remove the 4 nuts and 4 washers, and disconnect the propeller shaft and differential carrier.

Place matchmarks on the transfer and propeller shaft.

Remove the 4 nuts and 4 washers, and disconnect the propeller shaft from the transfer.

Remove the 2 bolts and brace from the suspension member.

Disconnect the harness clamp.

Remove the breather tube.

Disconnect the connector.

Support the rear differential carrier with a transmission jack or equivalent.

Remove the bolt labeled A and bolt labeled B.

Slowly lower the jack and then tilt the rear differential carrier.

With ribs:
Set the tip of the tire lever to the position on the rear drive shaft inboard joint shown in the illustration. Then, using the ribbed part of the rear differential carrier as a fulcrum, disconnect the left and right rear drive shafts.

NOTICE:

Do not scratch the rear drive shaft dust cover.

Without ribs:
Set the tip of a wheel nut wrench to the position on the rear drive shaft inboard joint shown in the illustration. Then, using a brass bar as a fulcrum, disconnect the left and right rear drive shafts.

NOTICE:

Do not scratch the rear drive shaft dust cover.

Remove the 4 bolts and differential No. 1 and No. 2 supports from the differential carrier.

Remove the 4 bolts and differential support from the differential carrier.

Remove the 2 bolts and damper (front side) from the No. 1 support.