LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> GMC >> 2006 >> Sierra 1500 HD, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 225 (Front Drive Axle) >> Repair Instructions >> Differential Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke, Seal, and Dust Deflector Replacement - Front >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise the vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  3. Remove the brake calipers. Refer to BRAKE CALIPERS .
  4. Reference mark the relationship of the propeller shaft to the front axle pinion yoke.
  5. Remove the pinion yoke retainer bolts and the yoke retainers from the front axle pinion yoke.
    Fig 1: Identifying Propeller Shaft To Front Axle Pinion Yoke Reference Mark
    G01216391Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    CAUTION: When removing the propeller shaft, do not attempt to remove the shaft by pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the universal joint. If the propeller shaft is removed by using such means, the injection joints may facture and lead to premature failure of the joint.
  6. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the front axle pinion yoke.

    Wrap the bearing cups with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.

  7. Support the propeller shaft and move out of the way as necessary.
    Fig 2: Supporting & Moving Propeller Shaft
    G01216392Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Measure the torque required in order to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record the torque value for reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:
    • The pinion bearings
    • The pinion seal
    • The carrier bearings
    • The axle bearings
    • The axle seals
      Fig 3: Measuring Torque Required For Pinion Rotation
      G01216393Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Scribe an alignment line between the pinion shaft and the pinion yoke.
    Fig 4: Scribing Alignment Line Between Pinion Shaft & Pinion Yoke
    G01216394Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the J-8614-01  onto the pinion yoke as shown.
  11. Remove the pinion nut while holding the J-8614-01. 
    Fig 5: Installing J-8614-01 Onto Pinion Yoke
    G01216395Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Install the J-8614-2 (2) and the J-8614-3 (1) into the J-8614-01  (3) as shown.
  13. Remove the pinon yoke by turning the J-8614-3 (1) clockwise while holding the J-8614-01  (3).
    CAUTION: Carefully pry the seal from the bore. Do not distort or scratch the aluminum case.
  14. Remove the oil seal using a suitable seal removal tool.
    Fig 6: Installing J-8614-2 & J-8614-3 Into J-8614-01
    G01216396Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.