Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 GMC Sierra, 2008 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2008 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Using the J 22761 , install the pinion gear pilot bearing.

Fig 1: Installing Inner Pinion Bearing Cup

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Using the J 37624 (2) and the J 8092 (1), install the inner pinion bearing cup in the pinion gear bearing retainer.

Fig 2: Installing Outer Pinion Bearing Cup

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Using the J 8608 (2) and the J 8092 (1), install the outer pinion bearing cup in the pinion gear bearing retainer.

Fig 3: Installing Inner Pinion Bearing Using J 24433

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IMPORTANT: Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.

Using the J 24433 and a hydraulic press, install the inner pinion bearing. See Special Tools .
Install the new collapsible spacer.
Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Install the outer pinion bearing into the pinion bearing retainer.
Using the J 44414 , install the new pinion oil seal. See Special Tools .

Fig 4: Pinion Retainer

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Install the pinion in the pinion gear bearing retainer.
Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.

Fig 5: View Of Pinion Shaft & Pinion Yoke Alignment Marks

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Align the marks made during removal.
Install the pinion yoke.

NOTE: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Notice .

Using a soft-faced hammer, tap the pinion yoke until a few threads show through the yoke.
Install the washer and the new pinion nut.

Fig 6: Installing J 8614-01 To Pinion Yoke

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Install the J 8614-01 on the pinion yoke.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice .

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.
Remove the J 8614-01 .

IMPORTANT: Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at this time.

Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available, install a 0.41 mm (0.016 in) shim to build pinion depth.
Install the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing.
Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).

Fig 7: Measuring Pinion Rotating Torque

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the pinion.
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, install the J 8614-01 and 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 (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch Axles) or Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) .
Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5, and 9.5LD Inch Axles) .
Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) .
Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) .
Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Lower the vehicle.