Installation Procedure
- Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 22388 or 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.
- 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 brake rotors and calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
- Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Fill the drive axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
- Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .
- Lower the vehicle.
NOTE:
Do not hammer the pinion flange/yoke onto the pinion shaft. Pinion components may be damaged if the pinion flange/yoke is hammered onto the pinion shaft.
NOTE:
Refer to Fastener Notice
.
IMPORTANT:
If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.