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Home >> GMC >> 2006 >> Sierra 1500 HD, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1331 (Rear Drive Axle) >> Repair Instructions >> Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5 LD and 11.5 Inch Axles) >> Adjustment Procedure

Adjustment Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra, 2009 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2009 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    NOTE: Make sure all of the tools, the differential side bearing bores, and the pinion bearing cups are clean before proceeding.
  1. Using the proper axle lubricant, lubricant the differential pinion bearings. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations (USA and Canada) .
  2. Install the differential pinion bearings into the axle housing.
    3. Fig 1: View Of Special Tools In Axle Housing
    GM651745Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the following special tools in the axle housing.
    • For the 8.6 inch axle, the J 21777-35 (1), the J 21777-43 (2), the J 21777-42 (3), and the J 21777-29 (4).
    • For the 9.5/9.5LD inch axles, the J 21777-8 (1), the J 21777-43 (2), the J 21777-42 (3), and the J 45108:  plate (4).
    • For the 11.5 inch axle, the J 44416-3 (1,4), the J 21777-43 (2), and the J 44416-2 (3).
    4. NOTE:
    • Hold the J 21777-43 stationary while turning the torque wrench.
    • Rotate the assembly several times in both directions in order to seat the pinion bearings.
  4. Using an inch pound torque wrench and the J 21777-43, tighten the nut until a rotating torque of 1.7 N.m (15 lb in) is obtained.
  5. If the torque is less than 1.7 N.m (15 lb in), tighten the nut until a rotating torque of 1.7-2.3 N.m (15-20 lb in) is obtained.
    6. Fig 2: View Of J 21777-45 & J 21777-1 Installed Into Axle Housing
    GM651746Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the following special tools in the differential carrier bores.
    • For the 8.6 inch axle, assemble the J 21777-45 (1, 2) to the J 21777-1 (3).
    • For the 9.5/9.5LD inch axles, assemble the J 21777-86 (1, 2) to the J 21777-1 (3).
    • For the 11.5 inch axle, assemble the J 44416-1 (1, 2) to the J 21777-1 (3).
  7. Install the bearing caps.
    8. CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
  8. Install the bearing cap bolts and tighten to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).
    9. NOTE: The J 21777-1 must rotate back and forth freely within the discs. If the J 21777-1 does not rotate freely, disassemble the components, inspect for proper seating and/or mis-aligned components and re-assemble.
  9. Rotate the J 21777-1 within the J 21777-45, 8.6 inch axle, or the J 21777-86, 9.5/9.5LD inch axles, or the J 44416-1, 11.5 inch axle.
    10. Fig 3: Identifying J 21777-1 & J 44416-3
    GM670320Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Adjust the arbor of the J 21777-1 (1) to the gauge block setting of the J 21777-29 for the 8.6 inch axle, or the J 45108:  plate, for the 9.5/9.5LD inch axles, or the J 44416-3, for the 11.5 inch axle (2).
  11. Install the J 8001:  indicator to the J 21777-1 as follows:
    1. Loosely clamp the J 8001:  indicator onto the stem on the J 21777-1.
    2. Place the contact pad of the J 8001:  indicator onto the mounting post of the J 21777-1.
    3. With the contact pad of the J 8001:  indicator touching the mounting post of the J 21777-1, loosen the lock nut on the J 8001:  indicator and push down on the J 8001:  indicator until the needle the J 8001:  indicator has turned 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
    4. Tighten the clamp on the J 8001:  indicator finger tight.
    12. NOTE: The deflection is the point where the needle changes direction.
  12. Move the plunger of the J 21777-1 back and forth until the needle of the J 8001:  indicator indicates the greatest deflection.
    13. Fig 4: Measuring Necessary Shim Thickness
    GM670316Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. At the greatest point of deflection, move the housing of the J 8001:  indicator until the needle indicates zero.
  14. Move the plunger of the J 21777-1 back and forth again to verify the zero setting. Adjust the housing of the J 8001:  Dial Indicator Set as necessary to set the needle to zero.
  15. Rotate the plunger of the J 21777-1 away from the J 21777-29, 8.6 inch axle, the J 45108:  Gauge Plate, 9.5/9.5LD inch axles, or the J 44416-3, 11.5 inch axle, until it no longer touches the J 21777-29, the J 45108:  plate, or the J 44416-3.
  16. The value indicated on the J 8001:  indicator is the thickness of the shim needed in order to set the depth of the pinion.
  17. Select the shim that indicates the proper thickness. Measure the shim with a micrometer in order to verify that the thickness is correct.
  18. Remove the pinion depth setting tools.
  19. Remove the pinion bearings.
  20. Install the pinion shim between the pinion gear and the inner pinion bearing. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axle)  or Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
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