Pinion Bearing Preload
- Place preselected shim on pinion shaft. Press bearing onto shaft until bearing and shim are firmly seated against shoulder of shaft. Install new collapsible spacer on pinion shaft.
- Lubricate bearings with axle lubricant. Install front pinion bearing in housing. Install new pinion oil seal. Insert companion flange into seal and hold firmly in place.
- From rear of carrier housing, insert pinion shaft into flange. Start a new pinion nut on pinion shaft and gradually tighten pinion nut (hold flange).
- Check bearing preload often. As soon as preload is measured, turn pinion shaft in both directions several times to seat bearings.
- Tighten pinion nut and continue to measure pinion bearing preload until specified pinion torque is obtained. If bearing preload is exceeded before torque specification is reached, replace collapsible spacer.
- Install new pinion nut and repeat procedures. Do not loosen pinion nut to reduce pinion bearing preload.