Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2008 GMC Yukon XL, 2008 GMC Yukon, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Drain the drive axle. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the brake calipers. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement (1500 Series) or Front Brake Caliper Replacement (2500 Series) .
- Remove the differential carrier assembly shield, if equipped. Refer to Shield Replacement .
- Reference mark the relationship of the propeller shaft to the front axle pinon yoke.
- Remove the yoke retainer bolts (6) and the yoke retainers (7) from the front axle pinion yoke (1).
- Disconnect the propeller shaft universal joint (2) from the front axle pinion yoke (1).
Wrap the bearing caps with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.
- Support the propeller shaft and move out of the way as necessary.
- 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
- Scribe an alignment line between the pinion shaft and the pinion yoke.
- Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion as shown. See Special Tools .
- Remove the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 . See Special Tools .
- Install the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (3) into the J 8614-01 (1) as shown. See Special Tools .
- Remove the pinon yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (3) clockwise while holding the J 8614-01 (1). See Special Tools .
- Remove the oil seal using a suitable seal removal tool.
NOTE:
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 fracture and lead to premature failure of the joint.
IMPORTANT:
Carefully remove the oil seal from the bore. Do not distort or scratch the aluminum case.