Installation Procedure

Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 7817 (1) and the J 8092 (2).

Fig 1: Installing Outer Pinion Bearing Cup Using J 7817 & J 8092
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 29609 (2), and the J 8092 (1).

Fig 2: Installing Inner Pinion Bearing Cup Using J 29609 & J 8092
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion. Refer to PINION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT .
Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder on the gear.
Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 5590.
Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion shim.

Fig 3: Installing Inner Pinion Bearing Using J 5590
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install a new collapsible spacer.
Lubricate the pinion bearing with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS in General Information.
Install the outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.
Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 33782.

Fig 4: Installing New Pinion Oil Seal Using J 33782
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the pinion into the axle housing.
Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.
Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.

Fig 5: Aligning Marks Made During Removal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to PINION FLANGE/YOKE INSTALLATION NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few threads show through the yoke.
Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.

Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
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.
Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.

Fig 6: Measuring Rotating Torque Of Pinion Using Inch-Pound Torque Wrench
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Specification

The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N.m (10 lb in ) for used bearings, or 1.7 N.m (15 lb in) for new bearings, continue to tighten the pinion nut.
Tighten

Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
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.
Install the differential assembly, Refer to DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT .
Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE .
Lower the vehicle.