Trailblazer front diff removal

[@eligreggsr553]

Awesome thank you for sharing 🙏 working on my 03 Trailblazer Ext

[@jumpin386]

I did this about two months ago. I did not have to remove the control arm or remove any motor mounts. Basically you have to remove the CV axles on both sides and take the switch module off the passenger side of the oil pan so you can get the connecting shaft that passes through the oil pan out of the differential. I took off the Fan clutch and shroud, the alternator and unbolted the A/C compressor leaving all the hoses attached just disconnected the mounting brackets so I could lift it up out of the way and then brought the differential up and out the front of the car. It took me a bit longer because I had not taken the front end apart before so I was watching carefully so I could get it back together. Guaranteed, this procedure goes way too far. Unless you like taking things apart and risking damaging sensitive plastic components you should consider the alternative I described. By the way this was not my idea. I got it from someone else here on KZbin. I have looked at them all before trying it. I didn't like all the warnings about damaging the top side of the engine and jacking the engine off the motor mounts didn't sound fun.

[@hdcycle529]

that's right. there are other ways of doing it some take more time to do it if you have the time and no where to be soon.

[@anthonyhicks1354]

How did you get the driver side cv axle out of the diff?? I cant find it anywhere and I'm having so much trouble! Is there a trick??

[@bbigdaddy198294]

How do u get that shaft out of the oil pan and out of the differential

[@OnwardAndUpward1]

Was this on a V8?

[@AndreyCastiblanco-w7u]

Friend, good afternoon, how are you? I have a problem with my Chevy Trail Blazer. I'm watching your video and I think it's very good to know about so many problems that can occur to the front differential of my Chevy Trailblazer. Can you help me with some questions?

[@hdcycle529]

it a breather tube. if you use the 4x4 the diff will get hot and it needs to breath to allow the hot air to escape. also if you like to play in mud and stuff it keeps the water out. if you plug it off and hit some deep water the diff will cool off rapidly and it is plug the water and stuff will get suck in through the seals and you will have oil water and other crud in your diff yhat will mess it up.

[@flyboy2610]

It seems like the two most neglected components maintenance-wise are the transfer case and front diff. Keep 'em well lubed and hopefully you won't ever have to do this.

[@hdcycle529]

It's always good to drive your vehicle in 4x4 high every once and awhile to keep it working if you don't ever have to use it

[@bbigdaddy198294]

So thanks for all ur help...got any advice to replace the plastic piece on the back of the motor...the plastic piece that goes to that airbox...

[@hdcycle529]

Let me check on that

[@henryhernandez2476]

good video question is the only option to remove it from above I have a 2002 Oldsmobile bravada same problem I have looked for reference videos this is the most difficult how to remove it thanks

[@Cody-hx7ul]

Can the shaft that runs through the engine be taken out on the actuator side or does it have to come out the differential side?

[@blonko86]

GM RPO Code GU6 = Rear Axel with 3.42 ratio. What is the code for the front? I'm not sure why he said he got a FRONT Differential for a GU6 @8:32

[@hdcycle529]

The front and rear must have the same gear ratios or if they are not same it will either eat up your tires or tear or destroy something in your drivetrain when you engage the 4x4 system

[@gaknskk]

Do you have a video on removal of the transfer case and gasket replacement? I need to do this on my 05 tbls

[@daisy5644]

I know this video is from awhile back, but can you or a viewer know where the vent tube is on the differential? I have a hose that has a vent cap on top, the plastic clip is attached the the bracket below the pcm, i have no clue what it’s supposed to plug into..lol

[@hdcycle529]

I can't remember where but my cousin has his truck here so I'll take a look to see where it goes

[@94jimmy5]

Thanks for your input. Saved me a tough lesson. We can all learn from each others experiences. You Tube shines in that regard.

[@macknumber9]

I took my trailblazer to a local tire shop to have my tires road force balanced...trying to chase down an issue with vibration felt in the front end...they noticed and showed me the sloppiness where the passenger side cv axle goes into the front differential. Could something internal in the differential cause this vibration? Could they be wrong and the cv shaft itself is whats flopping around (inner cv joint) Last question...im not sure how this front differential works on this drive system...could I remove the 2 cv shafts and the front driveshaft and solve this issue as there will definitley be no movement in the differential by doing so...i dont use 4x4 anymore anyway

[@matthewseed3386]

Where is the corresponding code on the differential itself that matches the one in the glove box?

[@hdcycle529]

I don't know if there was any on the diff housing which there should be. Look on the gears themselves it should be stamp on there

[@matthewseed3386]

@@hdcycle529 yeah I can't find it. I bought the differential used and didn't think about it at the time I figured it would be the same because it was from the same car

[@hdcycle529]

@@matthewseed3386 well just open the diff on both and count the gear teeth to make sure you have the same but done get them mixed up when you do it

[@georgiannegotko3017]

I’m have trouble figuring out what bearings I need to replace inside what the cv shaft goes back into the differential can you help I have 02 trailblazer

[@hdcycle529]

Sorry for the late response we're having trouble with service. If you haven't gotten it fixed yet the bearings are a two piece deal

[@richardwells9738]

Ok where did it come out.Bottom or top?

[@jazzridez]

I can't get the diff housing to separate from the engine. What the hell is holding it? I've got the engine out of the truck and the 4 bolts out and it is tight as heell on the engine block.

[@RobertBrown-jg3ys]

I have all the bolts out but it's still stuck to the motor how do I pull it off without busting anything

[@davidmullins7521]

How get diff out of oil pan? Pry it out? Hit with hammer?

[@hdcycle529]

Ok if I remember correctly you can't hit it with a hammer. That one came out easy but I believe you have to pull it out. Take a towel or something to wrap around the splines and use vise grips to get a good grip, pull and wiggle it out. You won't be able to knock it out from the diff side cause the rod that holds the spider gears will be in the way

[@TheEspenK]

Seems to me sir you remowed a bit more than the front-diff but thanks for explaining and illustrating very good

[@scottfirman]

Mine leaks fluid,always has. My mechanic doesnt want to repair it. I just keep topping it off every once in a while. I switched from synthetic oil in it to regular 90 wt,hasnt hurt it a bit,nope. put over 200k on it,still running.

[@hdcycle529]

RC Hobbyist Extreme Kool if it's not broke don't fix it. But on this one the owners didn't have a clue of what to do. They would have driven it till it fell apart. One of their friends told them to get it fixed.

[@tprimeau1]

Dude. You’re a badass. How many hours would you say you wrapped up into this?

[@hdcycle529]

Me about 3-4 hours half the time I was just looking at it to find a better way to do it

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

@@hdcycle529 that was mind-blowing. thanks - I got the 04 in the shop now - I asked them to just regrease the splines. I am just wondering how they're gonna do it. haha. thanks

[@cindytharp898]

What is the tube coming out of the front top of the differential??

[@RCDisiac]

Vent for when the fluid heats up and expands

[@clancino5]

How did u get the shaft out that goes inside the oil pan I can’t get diff out because of that shaft

[@shimaze5479]

Your front diff was already out before you even started! Why bother? I came to this video to see how to take the front diff out of my TBSS only to find that you already took it off?

[@saygrey]

Tbss is noisy up front too

[@kedaotuning]

im changing my wifes engine 4.2L i got it out but the replacement motor didnt have the front diferential. i took the 4 bolts out ut no luck getting it out u think the center is press fit like the selenoid the goes on the other side of the oil pan?

[@hdcycle529]

You talking about the differential

[@kedaotuning]

@@hdcycle529 yes i had it figured it out a lot of banging and wigle to get the diff out ounce is unbolted

[@hdcycle529]

@@kedaotuning ok everything should come out with ease. The shaft that goes through the oil pan comes out when you take the bolts lose. The diff should do the same thing.

[@jacobqueen1948]

can you just drop it with the oil pan if your just trying to get to the bottom end of the motor?

[@hdcycle529]

You're going to have to remove the one axle cause it goes through the oil pan

[@jacobqueen1948]

@@hdcycle529 I think i decided to just pull the crossmember rack and all.

[@bmanclassics4350]

I see its the 4200... is it the Same method to do a awd SS?

[@hdcycle529]

I believe so

[@bmanclassics4350]

@@hdcycle529 its lookin like it for the most part im in texas so im not dealin with much rust but every joint is a mufuker to come apart 😅

[@hdcycle529]

@@bmanclassics4350 you got that right 😂

[@bmanclassics4350]

@@hdcycle529 u in tx too? Im southeast bout 10min from louisiana

[@hdcycle529]

@@bmanclassics4350 no I'm in Starkville Ms

[@shanerowland3715]

I have a 06 LTZ that needs ore than a little love LOL. Needs a new engine, 5.3 v-8 but, The price was right

[@stevegentiluomo2563]

Hey question, If i disconnect the front drive shaft and left it just rear wheel drive, do you think it will eliminate the grinding sound ?

[@hdcycle529]

Truthfully probably not unless it has a electronic locking diff

[@IsaacLeonforte]

How did you get the difference and shaft pulled out? Mine feels stuck

[@hdcycle529]

If I remember correctly there was a bracket that holds the axle and shaft on the passenger side you have to remove the bracket to get the shaft out

[@jessicamoore7427]

Just had this done to my 2004 Trailblazer and now there is a screeching sound that comes and go from passenger's side front wheel when I make turns. Almost like I burned rubber and the steering wheel is now stiffer then usual and when I go over bumps, the vehicle and steering wheel sways. Any Idea what the shop may have done wrong?

[@hdcycle529]

Jessica Boulton it sounds like they messed up the wheel bearings on that side of your car. They might have damaged them when removing or installing the axle.

[@jessicamoore7427]

Thanks because they changed driver's side hub bearing and when the problem continued, they told me to drive it for awhile so that things could adjust, but the interference is on the passenger side and according to your video they should not have had to take that off (if I am correct)

[@hdcycle529]

Jessica Boulton I do believe you are right

[@tomholmes6200]

wheeĺ bearing

[@miguelangelbecerra8708]

And how much you charge to replace the differential?

[@hdcycle529]

Me about $300 plus the cost of the differential.

[@Lowrider4life1948]

Is the that output shaft bearing in the driver side presses in? Also can I pull it out with out having to open or take the diff apart?

[@hdcycle529]

Are you talking about the needle bearing

[@brittderochie4148]

Is it the same on a 2002 trailblazer too or can I do something different too get the diff out??

[@hdcycle529]

It's pretty much the same

[@Barbaratio]

You know anything about replacing the seals on the input shaft side of this diff. Mine diff has a small leak on the input shaft side and I really just want to see if it can pop a new seal into it.

[@hdcycle529]

Yeah you can replace the seal.

[@Barbaratio]

@@hdcycle529 How would I go about doing it though? Does that require removal of the diff or just the driveshaft?

[@hdcycle529]

@@Barbaratio just remove the drive shaft then remove the flange by removing the nut and washer. Once you do that you will be able to remove the old seal and replace it with the new one.

[@Barbaratio]

@@hdcycle529 Sweet, thanks so much, know a number for the seal or do I have to find it?

[@hdcycle529]

@@Barbaratio sorry I don't remember that. I've done replace so many things I'm not going to remember.

[@JUANITO5338]

Will this cause the truck to just accelerate but not move at all sir??

[@hdcycle529]

What do you mean by accelerate?

[@jerryc3201]

How the hell you get the axle shaft to pop in the front differential? Mine will not go in for nothing

[@Anthony-nf1wl]

hey i was having the same problem but a friend told me about this tool you can rent from autozone and its call a axle popper some people call them a "pickle tool" I used it and it popped right out

[@danswinnerton8293]

Take the oil pan out. 60 dollar new gasket. No need to jack up motor, remove fan. Leave motor mounts. Once oil pan is out diff just drops out

[@ashleyballard8300]

Good job bro!!!

[@charleswilliams8471]

I didn't have to remove all the those things on my 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada as far as the electrical. but you way of doing it is about the same

[@henryhernandez2476]

Good ,I have a 2002 Oldsmobile bravada it damaged itself as the differential asks how did you get it from the top removing all those parts or is there another option where to get it out I would appreciate your comment thanks

[@bbigdaddy198294]

How do u take the shaft out that runs through the oil pan

[@hdcycle529]

If I remember correctly you have to remove the axle on passenger side and there should be a bracket that holds the shaft in place. You would need to unbolt it and pull it out.

[@bbigdaddy198294]

@@hdcycle529 I'm at that point.. got all that out and the actuator and lookin at the sprocket and the end of the shaft

[@hdcycle529]

Ok.

[@bbigdaddy198294]

@@hdcycle529 but how do I pull that shaft off and the diff off.. nothings budging

[@hdcycle529]

If you can't pull it out by hand, get a rag, towel or something to wrap around the end get pliers or vice grips to get a hold of shaft and pull which should be easy enough to get out. The towel is to keep the splines from getting damage when you use the pliers or vice grips.

[@gregoryschroeder564]

where size are the bolts for the front diff on the 07 chevy trailblazers

[@hdcycle529]

which bolts are you talking about? the ones that bolts the diff to the frame i think they where 18 mm

[@glennking1245]

I've heard of a 3.42 also a 3.73 never heard of a gu6 gear ratio. If that's a code to figure out the ratio maybe you should explain that.

[@TheTrothKeeper]

it is the GM RPO code.

[@mevencio15]

Hey mi friend how did you know that the differential was in bad condition? I have a trailblazer 2006 7 passengers. The problem is that when I activate the 4x4 it makes a metal noise going back or forward so when I turn off the 4x4 and is in 2wd mode doesn't make any weird noise just like a normal driving. Can you help me please?

[@hdcycle529]

Ok I'll try my best to guide you in the right direction. Quick question, how many times has it been in 4x4 mode? Has the gear oil been checked? Does the diff have any wet spots on it? Now you said you hear metal noise when you put it in 4x4 mode, if it haven't been used in some time, the seals will go bad making the oil leak out and if you do use the 4x4 you will have metal to metal contact with no way to lubricate the parts in the diff.

[@mevencio15]

Yes I can see some oil and I use the 4x4 every winter here in Utah and honestly I haven't check the differential oil yet

[@mevencio15]

M Woods also I'm wondering if the differential stop spinning once I turn off the 4x4 ? Cuz like I said once I turn off the 4x4 and is running in 2wd. I can't hear any noise is just when I activate the 4x4

[@mevencio15]

And also when is in 4x4 it feels like something it's cracking and in some moments lock the front tires

[@hdcycle529]

That sounds like broken gear teeth but also it could be that if there is low oil in the diff that pinion gear is not getting any oil to the bearing and is bad and worn out that it moves enough to break the teeth off. So either the pinion gear bearing is fried and/or the chuncks metal getting slouched around creating more damage.

[@MiguelElMojo]

How did you remove the axle shaft from the diff it’s self ?

[@hdcycle529]

MiguelElMojo you have to pry it out of the diff

[@swattylizzz454]

What parts did you take off can you give a list

[@jumpin386]

There is a better way. Drain the radiator, remove the fan shroud and fan/clutch. alternator. Unbolt the A/C compressor and undo the hold down brackets for the hoses on both sides of the engine and lift it up out of the way. creating a hole for the differential to come out of. Remove on both sides: the CV axles and all wheel components needed to make that happen, the Differential module on the passenger side, the differential, push the connecting shaft through to the passenger side so the differential can be removed. manipulate the differential(twisting a bit) to get it past the frame and the lift and rest it on the cross member of the frame then go around to the front and lift it up and out of the engine compartment. The new one just drops in place the way the old one came out. There is one bolt on the differential that you need to insert in the hole before you put it in. Just remember that because I had to back up and put it in after getting the other 3 bolts started.

[@94jimmy5]

Good idea, I hadn't thought about the front hubs. The bearings were designed to have the hub installed. That might make for short bearing life.

[@hdcycle529]

Yep. I had did a project where we turned a mercury topaz from a front wheel drive to a rear wheel drive and we drove it down the road with the fwd hubs and they rolled right on off the car. So we used part of the axle to keep them together.

[@adamkeyser8914]

I work at a shop, thanks for your video. I think you tearing into it to much. Might be wrong haven't done it yet. The that way I watching

[@hdcycle529]

Thanks I try to find the easiest way to fix things that anyone can do if they want too

[@morganmcanally5839]

I always worked on diesels until i got 2008 trailblazer

[@bigcurt2012]

im about to do the same thing in my 05 tb. im not looking forward to it.

[@hdcycle529]

once you get started it's not that bad

[@fsu3784]

Dam at that point you may as well take off the oil pan and clean out the oil pick up tube lol. Crazy amount of work for that known to leak diff

[@hdcycle529]

Yep

[@kendallfaught4871]

Thank you

[@ROAD-View]

great info, thank you

[@94jimmy5]

Just a thought, to make this an inexpensive repair, could you remove all 3 drive shafts to make this TB a rear driver? Not the correct repair, just a labor saver? Very informative video by the way.

[@hdcycle529]

Yep you could make it a rear drive but if you remove the front axles i think you should put dummy inserts in the hubs but I'm not sure.

[@anthonyepperson856]

I want to just take out the drive line and CV axles to make it rear drive.I know I have to use old CV to make a dummy hub but will it mes anything up on differential side.its not part of motor right.Ivan just have open diff cuz I'm not taking it all the way out just axles and drive line.??

[@hdcycle529]

No you're good

[@anthonyepperson856]

M Woods .thanks so will thee be a check engine lite.and are the motor and gear box separate from each other.can I just take axle apart while its still together in truck

[@hdcycle529]

There should be no check engine light, the only light you should see is the abs that is if your truck is equipped with it and forget to put the dummy axles with the abs sensor stuff on. Other than that your good.

[@921aa]

These differentials are designed like a lawn tractor part. Total junk even in like new condition. They will fail not a matter of if, but when. GM should be sued for making this kind and crap for so many years.

[@tinocos9632]

Thanks bruh

[@DCPTCON98]

This is madness.

[@hdcycle529]

Yes! Yes it is!

[@ConleyProduction]

Fml !! I gotta do one

[@garybrown9719]

Mine exploded I was a chevy fan untill Chevy put a saab frontend in there vehicles

[@tjkirby4570]

90% of everything you took off was unnecessary.

[@raymondholyfield5893]

Find me on fb bullet holyfield

[@Studtacular78]

You doing to much..