Pinion Flange & Pinion Seal: Removal

Raise vehicle and support. Allow rear axle housing assembly to hang free. Remove drive shaft from pinion flange. Wrap tape around all "U" joint caps to retain caps in place. Position drive shaft aside.
For reassembly reference, scribe mark across pinion, pinion flange nut, and pinion flange. Count number of exposed threads on pinion before removing nut.
Hold pinion flange with Companion Flange Holder/Remover (J-8614-01 or J-8614-1 ). See Fig 1. Remove pinion self-locking nut and washer (if equipped). Install Pinion Flange Remover (J-8614-1 , J-8614-2 and J-8614-3 ) through companion flange holder/remover. Tighten pinion flange remover. Remove pinion flange from pinion. Pry pinion seal from housing bore, being careful not to damage machined surfaces.

Fig 1: Removing Pinion Flange
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: DO NOT hammer flange onto pinion shaft to install; flange, ring gear and pinion will be damaged.