Removal Procedure

Important:  Observe and mark the positions of all the driveline components, relative to the propeller shaft and the axles, prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all the components in the exact places in which you removed the parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and any measurements made prior to disassembly.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
2. Drain the axle lubricant. Refer to LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (8.6 INCH AXLE)  or LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.5, 10.5 INCH AXLE)  or LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.75 INCH AXLE)  .
3. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR GASKET REPLACEMENT  .
4. Reference mark the rear propeller shaft (3) to the rear axle pinion yoke (4).
5. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the axle. Wrap the bearing caps with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.

   Support the propeller shaft as necessary.

6. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion and the ring gear. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record this measurement for reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:
   • The pinion bearings
   • The pinion pilot bearing
   • The pinion oil seal
   • The differential case bearings
   Fig 1: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (2 Of 10)

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Place an alignment mark between the pinion and the pinion yoke.
8. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.
9. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer and the pinion.
10. Remove the selective shim.
11. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record this measurement for reassembly.
    Fig 2: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (3 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Install the J 8614-01  as shown.
13. Remove the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01. 
14. Remove the washer.
    Fig 3: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (4 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Install the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (1) into the J 8614-01  (3) as shown.
16. Remove the pinion yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (1) clockwise while holding the J 8614-01  (3).
17. Remove the pinion oil seal. Use a suitable seal removal tool. Do not damage the housing.
18. Remove the outer pinion bearing.
    Fig 4: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (5 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Remove the pinion.
    Fig 5: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (6 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
20. Remove the collapsible spacer.
    Fig 6: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (7 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
21. Remove the inner pinion bearing from the pinion using the J 22912-01  and a hydraulic press.
    Fig 7: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (8 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
22. Remove the outer pinion bearing cup using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the retainer evenly.
    Fig 8: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (9 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
23. Remove the inner pinion bearing cup using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the retainer evenly.
    Fig 9: Removing Drive Pinion Housing And/Or Seal (10 Of 10)

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.