Pinion Flange & Seal: Installation

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 20 other vehicles, including the 1990 GMC Vandura Special, 1990 GMC Vandura, 1990 GMC Safari, 1990 GMC S15 Pickup, and 1990 GMC S15 Jimmy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect pinion flange oil seal surface, drive splines, ears and bearing contact surface. Replace pinion flange (if necessary). Pack seal lip cavity with lithium base extreme pressure lubricant. Place pinion seal in bore.
Using Seal Installer (J-23911 for 7 1/2" and 7 5/8" ring gear), Gauge Plate (J-22804-1 for 9 1/2" ring gear) and Seal Installer (J-22388 for 8 1/2" and 9 1/2" ring gear), drive pinion seal into place.
Make sure seal is square in carrier. Pack cavity between end of pinion splines and pinion flange with a non-hardening sealer. Using Companion Flange Holder (J-8614-01), install flange on pinion shaft.
Install washer and nut in original position, taking note of scribe marks and number of exposed threads. Measure pinion preload. Tighten nut in small increments until preload exceeds original figure by 3-5 INCH lbs. (.3-.6 N.m). Install drive shaft and lower vehicle.

NOTE: DO NOT hammer flange onto pinion shaft, as ring gear and pinion will be damaged.