Adjustment Procedure

Special Tools 

J 2222-C  Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
Fig 1: Axle Nut Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Remove the hub adjuster nut retaining ring.
Fig 2: Rear Wheel Bearing Adjuster Key
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Remove the adjuster nut lock key.
Fig 3: Rear Wheel Bearing Adjuster Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
5. Tighten the wheel bearing adjusting nut using the J 2222-C  .

   Rotate the hub in the opposite direction to the way the adjuster nut is turning.

   Ensure the inner bearing and the seal seats against the spindle shoulder and tighten the adjusting nut to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).

6. Turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the nut is loose using the J 2222-C  .
7. Turn the adjusting nut clockwise until the nut contacts the bearing cone. Torque on the nut must be zero to finger tight.
Fig 4: Rear Wheel Bearing Adjuster Key
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Insert the adjusting nut lock key into the keyway using one of the following procedures:
   • If the adjusting nut slot is in alignment with the keyway in the axle spindle, insert the adjusting nut lock key into the keyway in the axle spindle.
   NOTE: Do not turn the adjusting nut more than one slot counterclockwise in order to align the adjusting nut slot with the keyway in the axle spindle.
   • If the adjusting nut slot is not aligned with the keyway in the axle spindle, turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise until the adjusting nut slot is in alignment with the keyway in the axle spindle and insert the adjusting nut lock key.
Fig 5: Axle Nut Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Install the retaining ring.
10. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
11. Inspect the lubricant level and add, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (8.6, 9.5 LD Axle)  or Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (10.5 Inch Axle)  or Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (11.5 Inch Axle) .
12. Lower the vehicle.