Installation Procedure
- Install the inner pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 37624 (2) and the J 8092 (1).
- Install the outer pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 8608 (2) and the J 8092 (1).
- Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433
.
Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.
- Install a new collapsible spacer.
- Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Install the pinion into the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Install the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.
- Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 44414 .
- 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.
- Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
- Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
- Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
- Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01
.
Tighten: Tighten the 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. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.
Tighten: Tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the rotating torque is 0.40-0.57 N.m (3-5 lb in) greater than the rotating torque recorded during removal.
- 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.
- Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear bearing retainer. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) , Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.75 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) .
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent, to sealing surface of the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Install the selective shim.
Align the tab on the shim with the unmachined surface of the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent, to surface of the selective shim.
- Install the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Install the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).
- Measure the rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.
Specification: The rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear should be between 3.9-6.2 N.m (30-55 lb in) for new bearings or 2.8-5.6 N.m (25-50 lb in) for used bearings.
- If the rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear is not within specifications, adjust the preload of the pinion or the differential side bearings as necessary.
- Install the propeller shaft (3) to the pinion yoke (4).
Align the reference marks made during removal.
- Install the propeller shaft yoke retaining clamps and the bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the propeller shaft yoke retaining clamp bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
- Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
- Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (8.6 Inch Axle) , Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (9.75 Inch Axle) or Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (9.5, 10.5, and 11.5 Inch Axles) .
- Lower the vehicle.