Pinion Flange Runout Measurement (System Balanced Flange)

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Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set, or equivalent
J 23409 Dial Indicator Extension, or equivalent
J 35819 Flange Runout Gage

System balanced drive axles utilize a deflector design on the pinion flange, that is able to hold system balance weights on its outside diameter.

Fig 1: Identifying System Balanced Flange Design

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Raise and support the vehicle, with the wheels free to rotate. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE .
Remove the propeller shaft from the pinion flange.
Install the J 35819 to the pinion flange.

Fig 2: Installing J 35819

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Assemble and install the J 8001 and the J 23409 to the drive axle and to the J 35819 .
Important: The dial indicator will display inverted readings. You are measuring the inside diameter of the flange, not the outside diameter. The highest reading on the dial indicator is the low spot; the lowest reading is the high spot.
Rotate the pinion flange 360 degrees and zero the dial indicator on the low spot.
Rotate the pinion flange again and record the total runout.
Important: All runout measurement tolerances provided are to be used as guidelines. The measurement tolerances provided and their effect on vibration correction may vary for each vehicle.
If the system balanced pinion flange runout measurement is between 0.00-0.38 mm (0.00-0.015 in), the pinion flange is considered within acceptable runout limits.
If the system balanced pinion flange runout measurement exceeds 0.00-0.38 mm (0.00-0.015 in), the pinion flange must be re-indexed 180 degrees or replaced. If the drive axle utilizes a crush-type sleeve to achieve pinion bearing preload, the pinion flange can only be removed and installed 1 time before the crush-type sleeve must be replaced. Sleeve replacement requires removal and installation of the ring and pinion gear set. If there is evidence that the pinion has been removed and installed previously, replace the sleeve.
If the pinion flange has been re-indexed, re-measure the pinion flange runout.
If the runout re-measurement of the re-indexed pinion flange still exceeds the tolerance guidelines, the pinion flange requires replacement.
Important: Inspect the runout of any replacement pinion flange.
If the pinion flange was replaced, check the runout of the replacement pinion flange.
Important: If the pinion flange was re-indexed or replaced, the driveline MUST be system balanced.
If the pinion flange was re-indexed or replaced, system balance the driveline. Refer to Driveline System Balance Adjustment (Using EVA) or Driveline System Balance Adjustment (Without EVA) .