Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply a light coat of axle lubricant, GM P/N 12378557 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986207, to the lip of the pinion seal.
Install the new seal using the J 45710 .

Fig 1: Installing Seal Using J 45710

GM815622

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the pinion yoke.

Fig 2: Installing Pinion Yoke

GM815618

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.

Fig 3: Installing Pinion Yoke Washer

GM815616

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the washer.
Install the new pinion nut

Fig 4: Installing Pinion Nut

GM815614

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.

Fig 5: Holding Pinion Yoke With Special Tool

GM661080

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 .
Tighten: Tighten the pinion nut to 370 N.m (273 lb ft).
Install the propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion yoke. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece in Propeller Shaft.
Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Rear Drive Axle (8.6 Inch Axle) , Lubricant Level Inspection - Rear Drive Axle (9.5, 10.5 Inch Axle) , Lubricant Level Inspection - Rear Drive Axle (9.75 Inch Axle) or Lubricant Level Inspection - Rear Drive Axle (11.5 Inch Axle) .
Lower the vehicle.