Installation Procedure
- Install the inner pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 37624 (2) and the J 8092 (1). See Special Tools .
- Install the outer pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 8608 (2) and the J 8092 (1). See Special Tools .
- Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433
. See Special Tools .
Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.
- Install a new collapsible spacer.
- Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
- Install the pinion into the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Install the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.
- Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 44414 . See Special Tools .
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.
- Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.
- Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
- Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
- Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
- Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01
.
Tighten: Tighten the nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
- Measure the rotating torque of the pinion. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.
Tighten: Tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the rotating torque is 0.40-0.57 N.m (3-5 lb in) greater than the rotating torque recorded during removal.
- 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.
- Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear bearing retainer. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) .
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent, to sealing surface of the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Install the selective shim.
Align the tab on the shim with the unmachined surface of the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent, to surface of the selective shim.
- Install the pinion gear bearing retainer.
- Install the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).
- Measure the rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.
Specification: The rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear should be between 3.9-6.2 N.m (30-55 lb in) for new bearings or 2.8-5.6 N.m (25-50 lb in) for used bearings.
- If the rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear is not within specifications, adjust the preload of the pinion or the differential side bearings as necessary.
- Install the propeller shaft (3) to the pinion yoke (4).
Align the reference marks made during removal.
- Install the propeller shaft yoke retaining clamps and the bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the propeller shaft yoke retaining clamp bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
- Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
- Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch HD and 10.5 Inch Axles) .
- Lower the vehicle.