Installation Procedure

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Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 22388 or 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.

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 pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
Install the washer and a new pinion nut.

Fig 1: Installing Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke And/Or Oil Seal - All Except 9.75 Inch Axle (1 Of 4)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
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 nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.

Fig 2: Installing Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke And/Or Oil Seal - All Except 9.75 Inch Axle (2 Of 4)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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.

Fig 3: Installing Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke And/Or Oil Seal - All Except 9.75 Inch Axle (3 Of 4)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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 (10.5 inch axle). Refer to REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR GASKET REPLACEMENT .
Install the brake rotors (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles). Refer to REMOVAL (REAR -- ALL WITH 4-WHEEL STEERING) or REMOVAL (REAR -- WITHOUT DUAL WHEELS & 4-WHEEL) in Disc Brakes.
Install the brake calipers (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles). Refer to BRAKE CALIPER in Disc Brakes.
Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to LUBRICANT LEVEL INSPECTION - REAR DRIVE AXLE (8.6 INCH AXLE) or LUBRICANT LEVEL INSPECTION - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.5, 10.5 INCH AXLE) or LUBRICANT LEVEL INSPECTION - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.75 INCH AXLE) .
Lower the vehicle.

Fig 4: Installing Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke And/Or Oil Seal - All Except 9.75 Inch Axle (4 Of 4)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.