Installation Procedure

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Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 8611-01 , 8.6 inch axle, or the J 7818 , 9.5 inch axle (1), and the J 8092 (2).

Fig 1: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (1 Of 7)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 45870 , 8.6 inch axle, or the J 22306 , 9.5 inch axle (2), and the J 8092 (1).
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) .
Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder on the gear.

Fig 2: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (2 Of 7)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433 or the J 36614 .
Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion shim.
Install a new collapsible spacer.
Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
Install the outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.

Fig 3: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (3 Of 7)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 22388 .
Install the pinion into the axle housing.
Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.

Fig 4: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (4 Of 7)
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.

Fig 5: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (5 Of 7)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
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.

Fig 6: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (6 Of 7)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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, 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.

Fig 7: Installing Drive Pinion Bearings - 8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles (7 Of 7)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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 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) .
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.