Installation Procedure

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Using the J 22761 , install the pinion gear pilot bearing.

Fig 1: Using J 37624 To Install Inner Pinion Bearing Cup

GM739952

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using the J 37624 (2) and the J 8092 (1), install the inner pinion bearing cup in the pinion gear bearing retainer.

Fig 2: Using J8608 To Install Outer Pinion Bearing Cup

GM739946

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using the J 8608 (2) and the J 8092 (1), install the outer pinion bearing cup in the pinion gear bearing retainer.

Fig 3: View of Inner Pinion Bearing Using J 24433

GM739953

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.

Using the J 24433 and a hydraulic press, install the inner pinion bearing. See Special Tools .
Install the new collapsible spacer.
Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Install the outer pinion bearing into the pinion bearing retainer.
Using the J 44414 , install the new pinion oil seal. See Special Tools .

Fig 4: Pinion Retainer

GM739961

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the pinion in the pinion gear bearing retainer.
Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.
Install the drive pinion flange/yoke. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)

IMPORTANT: Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at this time.

Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available, install a 0.41 mm (0.016 in) shim to build pinion depth.
Install the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing.
Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).

Fig 5: Measuring Pinion Rotating Torque

GM661077

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the pinion.
Specification: The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N.m (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 N.m (15 lb in) for new bearings, install the J 8614-01 and continue to tighten the pinion nut.
Tighten: Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
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 differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) or Differential Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) .
Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) .
Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Backlash Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Lower the vehicle.