OEM 2009 Toyota Highlander Differential

2009 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and replace the rear differential carrier assembly on 2009 Toyota Highlander?

  A: The process for removing the rear differential carrier assembly begins by extracting the rear wheel then removing the propeller with center bearing shaft assembly. The first step in differential carrier assembly replacement involves removing both the tail exhaust pipe assembly and the center exhaust pipe assembly. Begin by taking out the rear speed sensor on the left followed by the right side then remove the rear axle shaft nuts which also operate from the left side and right side. The following step requires removing both rear disc brake caliper assemblies followed by the removal of rear disks from both sides. First order is to remove the rear axle hub and bearing assemblies from both sides while following it with the removal of the No. 3 and No. 2 parking brake cable assemblies. Starting from the rear, remove both strut rod assemblies before moving on to sub-assemblies of the rear axle carrier. The service professional should perform rear No. 2 suspension arm assembly removal for both sides alongside rear No. 1 suspension arm assembly RH removal. Attain the rear differential filler plug with a 10 mm hexagon wrench then proceed with draining the oil from the differential by removing the drain plug. Both rear drive shaft assemblies along with their snap rings need to be removed from the vehicle. Follow the procedure to take out the rear suspension member sub-assembly. Configuring a jack beneath the differential carrier assembly allows you to detach the No. 1 rear differential support from the rear suspension member sub-assembly using its 2 bolts and 2 lock nuts before removing the 3 bolts which separate the rear differential carrier assembly from the rear suspension member sub-assembly. Handle the rear differential carrier assembly with care and separate the No. 1 rear differential support by unbolted 2 hardware components and disassembled 2 locking nut mechanisms.