Differential rebuild question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

T-Type · 09-02-2025, 02:21 PM

I am rebuilding the differential out of a 5th gen Camaro with 1LE package. It is an 8.6"/218 mm IRS rear. I got it almost completely apart and I'm having some trouble getting the pinion bearing races out. I had used a hammer and punch to try to knock them out from their backside. They would not budge. Before I try using a bigger hammer, I thought I would check to see if anyone has done this before and if there is a 'trick' to it like heating up the aluminum housing first.

Joe.G · 09-03-2025, 10:19 PM

I just used a punch and hit them out, I don't remember it being difficult.

T-Type · 09-04-2025, 11:58 AM

Thanks for the reply. Interesting that you had no problems with knocking them out. I might be being overly cautious as I'm worried about damaging the aluminum housing. My next attempt will involve the use of heat to expand the housing and hopefully that will do the trick.

09-02-2025, 02:21 PM	#1
T-Type Drives: Pontiac G8 Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 16	Differential rebuild question I am rebuilding the differential out of a 5th gen Camaro with 1LE package. It is an 8.6"/218 mm IRS rear. I got it almost completely apart and I'm having some trouble getting the pinion bearing races out. I had used a hammer and punch to try to knock them out from their backside. They would not budge. Before I try using a bigger hammer, I thought I would check to see if anyone has done this before and if there is a 'trick' to it like heating up the aluminum housing first.

09-03-2025, 10:19 PM	#2
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,655	I just used a punch and hit them out, I don't remember it being difficult. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

09-04-2025, 11:58 AM	#3
T-Type Drives: Pontiac G8 Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 16	Thanks for the reply. Interesting that you had no problems with knocking them out. I might be being overly cautious as I'm worried about damaging the aluminum housing. My next attempt will involve the use of heat to expand the housing and hopefully that will do the trick.