Installation Procedure
- Install the ring gear to the differential case.
- Install the new ring gear bolts.
Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.
- Tighten the new ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
Tighten: Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).
- Install the drive pinion bearing cups. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
- Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .
- Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
- Install the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
- Install a new collapsible spacer.
- Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Install the pinion to the axle housing.
- Install the outer pinion bearing.
- Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 38694 .
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.
- Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.
- 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.
- Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
- Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
- Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01
.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
- Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification: The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
- If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N.m (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 N.m (15 lb in) for new bearings, continue to tighten the pinion nut.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
- Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.
- Install the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
- Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check on the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
- Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
- Install the brake rotors. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
- Install the brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
- Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle .
- Lower the vehicle.