Installation Procedure

Important  Stake the new deflector at 3 new equally spaced positions. You must stake the new deflector in such a way the you do not damage the seal operating surface.

1. Install the new deflector and stake the dust deflector onto the pinion flange.

   Important:  Drive the seal in straight, not at an angle, as this will damage the aluminum housing.

   Fig 1: Installing New Deflector & Stake Dust Deflector Onto Pinion Flange

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Install the oil seal by doing the following:
   1. 2.1. Position the oil seal in the bore.
   2. 2.2. Install the J 33782 over the oil seal.
   3. 2.3. Strike the J 33782 with a hammer until the seal flange seats on the axle housing surface.
3. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the drive pinion yoke.
4. Install the pinion flange.

   Align the reference marks made during removal.

   NOTE: Do not hammer the pinion flange/yoke onto the pinion shaft. Pinion components may be damaged if the pinion flange/yoke is hammered onto the pinion shaft.
5. Seat the pinion flange onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the flange.
6. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
7. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion flange as shown.
   NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Caution and Notice.

   Important  If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible space installed.

   Fig 2: Installing J 8614-01 Onto Pinion Flange

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. 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.

9. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion. Compare the measurement with the rotating torque recorded earlier.

   Tighten 

   Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 0.40-0.57 N.m (3-7 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.

10. 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.
11. Install the propeller shaft to the pinion flange.

    Align the reference marks made during removal.

    Fig 3: Installing Propeller Shaft To Pinion Flange

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Install the pinion flange bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the pinion flange bolts to 45 N.m (33 lb ft).

13. Inspect the axle lubricant level, and add, if necessary. Refer to LUBRICANT LEVEL INSPECTION - FRONT DRIVE AXLE .
14. Install the brake calipers. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER (FRONT) in Disc Brakes.
15. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
16. Lower the vehicle.