Toyota RAV4 Service Manual: Precaution

1. Before disassembling the differential assembly, thoroughly clean it by removing any sand, mud or foreign matter. This will help prevent contamination during disassembly and reassembly.
2. When removing the rear differential carrier cover or any other light alloy part, do not pry it off with a screwdriver or other tool that may cause damage.

   Instead, tap the part with a plastic-faced hammer.

3. Always arrange disassembled parts in the order they were removed and protect them from foreign matter.
4. Before installation of each part, thoroughly clean and dry it. Then apply hypoid gear oil sx to it. Do not use alkaline chemicals to clean aluminum parts, rubber parts or ring gear set bolts. Also, do not use white gasoline or other cleaning oils to clean orings, oil seals or rubber parts.
5. Coat any sliding surface and rotating parts with hypoid gear oil sx.
6. Do not directly fix a part in a vise. Place aluminum plates between the part and vise.
7. Be careful not to damage the contact surfaces of the case. Such damage may cause oil leakage.
8. Before applying sealant, remove deposited oil sealant and clean the part to be sealed using white gasoline.
9. After sealing parts, do not allow oil to contact the seal for at least an hour.
10. Do not allow scratches on a part's contact surface with an oil seal, o-ring or gasket. Scratches may lead to oil leakage.
11. When press-fitting an oil seal, be careful not to damage the lip of the oil seal and its outside periphery.
12. When replacing a bearing, replace the inner and outer races as a set.