Rear Axle Bearing & Oil Seal (Semi-Floating Axle): Installation

1. Lubricate bearing and seal lips with wheel bearing grease. Fill axle cavity between seal and axle with wheel bearing grease.
2. Using Bearing Installer (J-23690) on 8 1/2" and 8 5/8 ring gear or (J-29709) on 9 1/2" ring gear, install bearing until installer contacts axle housing. Using Seal Installer (J-21128) on 8 1/2" and 8 5/8 ring gear or (J-29713) on 9 1/2" ring gear, install seal until even with axle housing.
3. Install axle shaft. Use care not to damage seal. Ensure splines on axle shaft engage with splines on side gear. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Ensure "C" lock is fully seated or positioned in thrust block. See Fig 1 and Fig 2.
4. Install pinion shaft. Apply Loctite No. 242 to pinion shaft lock bolt threads and tighten to 25 ft. lbs. (34 N.m). Install differential cover and new gasket. Fill axle with gear lubricant.

Fig 1: Locating "C" Lock & Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt (Typical)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Removing & Installing "C" Lock & Pinion Shaft On Locking Differential (Typical)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.