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Buick & Chevrolet Models

  1. With gauge plate mounted on preload stud, insert stud through rear bearing and pilot, and front bearing and pilot, Install hex nut until snug and rotate bearing to ensure proper seating of bearing.
    Torque Specifications

    Bolt or Nut Ft. Lbs.
    Ring Gear  
    Buick, Chevrolet, Camaro, Nova 85
    Vega, Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Corvette 50
      Oldsmobile 80
      Pontiac 90
      Tempest, Firebird & Grand Prix 60
    Bearing Caps to Carrier  
    Corvette, Vega 55
    Chevrolet, Buick 60
      Oldsmobile 65
      Pontiac 70
    Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt  
      Chevrolet 20
      Oldsmobile 15
      Vega 125 INCH Lbs.
      Pontiac 15
    Housing Cover Bolts  
      Buick 30
      Chevrolet 25
      Corvette 50
      Vega 20
      Oldsmobile 25
      Pontiac 25
    Universal Joint to Pinion Flange  
    Buick - Skylark, G.S., Sport Wagon, Estate Wagon 15
    Buick - All Others 85
    Vega 14
    Chevrolet - Except Station Wagon 75
    Chevrolet - Station Wagons, Chevelle, Nova, Camaro, Corvette 15
      Pontiac With Lock Plates 12
      Pontiac With Lock Washers 14
  2. Hold preload stud stationary with wrench and tighten hex nut until it takes 20 INCH lbs, to rotate bearings, Mount side bearing discs on ends of arbor, Use step of disc which corresponds to bore of carrier.
  3. Place arbor and plunger assembly into carrier, making sure side bearing discs are properly seated, Install bearing caps finger tight, Place suitable dial indicator (J-8001) on mounting post of arbor with contact button resting on top surface of plunger, Preload dial indicator one-half revolution and tighten in position.
    Fig 1: CHEVROLET PINION DEPTH SETTING (EXCEPT VEGA & CORVETTE)
    G09324403Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  4. Select button on gauge plate that corresponds to ring gear size, Rotate plate until plunger rests on that button, Rock plunger rod across button until greatest dial indicator deflection is achieved, At this point, set dial indicator to zero, Tools should be positioned as shown in appropriate illustrations.
    Fig 2: BUICK PINION DEPTH SETTING
    G09324404Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  5. After zero reading is obtained, swing plunger until it is removed from gauging plate button, The dial indicator will now read the required thickness for a "nominal" pinion, Record this figure.
  6. Check rear face of drive pinion for pinion code, If pinion is stamped with a plus (+) number, add that many thousandths to the previously recorded indicator reading, If pinion is stamped with a minus (-) number, subtract that many thousandths, If pinion has no plus (+) or minus (-) number, use indicator reading as correct shim thickness.
  7. Remove bearing caps and gauging tools, Place selected shim on pinion shaft against pinion head, Lubricate rear pinion bearing with hypoid lubricant and install rear bearing.