Removal 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.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove 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) .
Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer. Refer to Drive Pinion Housing and/or Seal Replacement .
Remove the pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Housing and/or Seal Replacement .
Remove the outer pinion bearing.

Fig 1: Removing Pinion

GM694822

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion.

Fig 2: View Of Collapsible Spacer

GM739955

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the collapsible spacer.

Fig 3: Removing Inner Pinion Bearing Using Hydraulic Press

GM680110

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using the J 22912-B and a hydraulic press, remove the inner pinion bearing from the pinion.

Fig 4: Removing Outer Pinion Bearing Cup

GM739944

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Insert the brass drift in the slots to remove the bearing cup.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Using a hammer and a brass drift, remove the outer pinion bearing cup.

Fig 5: Removing Inner Pinion Bearing Cup

GM739945

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Insert the brass drift in the slots to remove the bearing cup.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Using a hammer and a brass drift, remove the inner pinion bearing cup.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Gear Pilot Bearing

GM694509

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using a brass drift and a hammer, remove the pinion gear pilot bearing.