Pinion Bearing Preload

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Dodge Magnum, 2008 Dodge Charger, and 2008 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Pinion bearing preload is controlled and adjusted by means of a select-thickness spacer sandwiched between the pinion head and tail bearing cones.

Fig 1: Pinion Housing Bolts

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Remove pinion housing bolts (1) and remove pinion housing assembly from axle housing. See Fig 1.

Fig 2: Measuring Pinion Housing Assembly Turning Torque
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Using a dial-type torque wrench (1), measure pinion housing rotating torque. See Fig 2. Rotating torque should be within 130-260 N.m (12-23 in. lbs.). If rotating torque is below this range, disassemble pinion housing, measure and install a slightly thinner spacer (1), reassemble and verify. If rotating torque is above this range, disassemble pinion housing, install a slightly thicker spacer, reassemble and verify rotating torque.

Fig 3: Installing Pinion Flange
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Using Spanner Wrench 6958 (2), remove pinion flange nut. See Fig 3.

Fig 4: Pinion Puller
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Using Puller 1026 (1), remove pinion flange. See Fig 4.

Fig 5: Pressing Pinion Gear Out of Housing
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Press pinion gear (2) out of housing. See Fig 5.

Fig 6: Pinion Bearing Spacer
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Remove pinion bearing preload spacer (1). See Fig 6.

Fig 7: Measuring Pinion Bearing Spacer
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Measure spacer (1) and correct per rotating torque measurement. See Fig 7.

Fig 8: Pinion Bearing Spacer
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Install proper pinion bearing preload spacer (1). See Fig 8.

Fig 9: Installing Pinion Tail Bearing Cone
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Install pinion gear/bearing assembly to housing. Using Installer L-4507 (1), press pinion tail bearing (2) onto shaft until it bottoms. See Fig 9.

Fig 10: Installing Pinion Flange
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Using Installer L-4507 (1), press on pinion flange (2). See Fig 10.

Fig 11: Installing Pinion Flange
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Install and torque (1) pinion flange nut to 475 N.m (350 ft. lbs.). See Fig 11.

Fig 12: Pinion Housing Bolts
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Install pinion housing assembly and depth shim to axle assembly.
Install and torque pinion housing-to-axle housing bolts (1) to 34 N.m (25 ft. lbs.). See Fig 12.