Installation Procedure

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Install the pinion gear pilot bearing using the J 22761 .
Install the inner pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 37624 (2) and the J 8092 (1).

Fig 1: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing - 10.5 Inch Axle (1 Of 6)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the outer pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 8608 (2) and the J 8092 (1).

Fig 2: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing - 10.5 Inch Axle (2 Of 6)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433 .
Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.
Install a new collapsible spacer.
Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
Install the outer pinion bearing into the pinion bearing retainer.
Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 22388 .

Fig 3: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing - 10.5 Inch Axle (3 Of 6)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the pinion into the pinion gear bearing retainer.
Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.

Fig 4: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing - 10.5 Inch Axle (4 Of 6)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.

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 threads show through the yoke.
Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.

Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
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.
Remove the J 8614-01 .

Fig 5: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing - 10.5 Inch Axle (5 Of 6)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at this time.
Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available, install a 0.41 mm (0.016 in) shim to build pinion depth.
Install the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing.
Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.
Tighten:

Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).
Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification

The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 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, install the J 8614-01 and 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 between 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.

Fig 6: Installing Drive Pinion Bearing - 10.5 Inch Axle (6 Of 6)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the differential assembly Refer to DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT (8.6 INCH, 9.5 INCH AXLES) or DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT (9.75 INCH AXLE) or DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT (10.5 INCH AXLE) .
Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT (8.6 INCH AXLE) or DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT (9.5 INCH AXLE) or DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT (9.75 INCH AXLE) or DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT (10.5 INCH AXLE) .
Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion. Refer to PINION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT (8.6 INCH, 9.5 INCH AXLES) or PINION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT (9.75 INCH AXLE) or PINION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT (10.5 INCH AXLE) .
Adjust the backlash. Refer to BACKLASH ADJUSTMENT (ALL EXCEPT 9.75 INCH AXLE) or BACKLASH ADJUSTMENT (9.75 INCH AXLE) .
Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (8.6 INCH AXLE) or LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.5, 10.5 INCH AXLE) or LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.75 INCH AXLE) .
Lower the vehicle.