I realize it might be a tight space because from your pics it looks like you have a G80 but it's not impossible. May the force be with you.

 

These seem to fit very tight for some reason. The amount of clamping and pulling I applied with my hands on the needle nose pliers would have pulled the suckers out regardless of the amount of gear oil film left on there. I have not yet cleaned the gears with brake cleaner - was going to leave it until after I've removed the refill cap, but all the gears actually look quite clean now save for any film residue from the old gear oil which looked quite dirty as it was draining.

If I rotate the carrier any more I can't get the pinion shaft all the way out and then I can't push in the axle shaft to expose the c-clips! My axle shaft pushes in quite easily, once the pinion shaft is totally out, to expose the c-clips which are pretty much centered in the visible space.

I have been thinking that I'll try to see if any of the open end wrenches I have will fit to use as a tool to tap the c-clips off the shaft. I have lots of open end wrenches, both imperial and metric, so one is bound to give me a good fit (I hope). I don't know why I didn't think of that before!

 

May the force be with me, indeed. Thanks TBB.

What is a G80, model number or something?

 

G80 is a limited slip rear differential. Check your glove box and look for the code G80, I'm pretty sure you'll have it.



^That's a non-G80 and there's not as much going on in the middle like yours\/:



Which is why I'm saying it might be a tight squeeze.

 

Yes, they do look different. There is nothing in the owner's manual referring to the differential or what type it is. That information would probably be in the repair manual, I assume. The code G80 is indeed on the sticker in the glove box. So now I know I have a limited slip rear differential. While that may be good while driving in certain conditions, it does seem to make maintenance a whole lot tougher!

While looking through the owners manual, I did see a picture showing the recessed head filler plug just like the one posted above but on the passenger side (the tougher side to get at)! I'll have to wiggle in there to ascertain that it's there.

 

Huhuh !!!

I found this, here:

http://www.streetsideauto.com/images...Instructio.pdf

Step 6
Remove differential pinion shaft, lock screw and remove
pinion shaft. Push each axle shaft inward one at a time
exposing the axle retaining C-clip. In some cases the clips
will simply fall out at this point, in others the clips are kept in
place with an O-ring and will need to be removed with a
suitable tool. Once the clips are removed, the axle shafts
can be pulled outward enough to clear the differential
bearing hubs during differential removal. Take care in
sliding the axle shafts in and out to prevent damage to the
axle shaft bearing and seals.

Too bad this article doesn't say what that suitable tool is!

 

I knew something was weird. Looks like the instructions are a little different for the G80.

 

i would use a dental pic, preferably one that has a slight hook on the end.

 

A dental pick! I didn't know I had to be a dental surgeon to remove those c-clips, lol. But seriously, I think you have a very good point. My wife suggested that, I think she has seen those dental picks at work (she works in an organization that offers dental services, and when I told her the needle nose pliers weren't doing the job she said that right of way).

I just called an auto parts supplier, the GM dealer, and snap-on tools and no one has anything like what I need, so a dental pick I must try. Maybe that's what the "suitable tool" is in that article!

I took a look underneath the vehicle and looked on the passenger side and found the fill plug, a bit rusty in spite of the underside oil spraying I get on my vehicles from time to time, but after cleaning it up a bit with some CLR, it came off without a fight. Now I'm soaking it in CLR to get all the rust off of it before it goes back on.

Now, Let's see if my wife can get me a dental pick.

 

go up to Princess Auto @ Green Lane & Leslie, quickcurrent. they have sets of "dental pic's". they're only 3 to 5 dollars for a set (4 or 5 different ones in the set). ask one of the reps to tell you where they are (usually right in the small isles @ the front of the store.
wait, i'll save you some time, here are the #'s for the store. (905)952-2107, and their toll free # is 1(877)725-1032. the store is pretty easy to find. just go North on the 404 to the end (Green Lane) and exit going West (turn left). Leslie is the first major street (2nd lights), turn South (left), and the entrance is about 150 yards down (on your left).
good luck.