Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Fig 1: View of Side Bearings & J 35409

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install the ring gear bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the ring gear bolts uniformly and incrementally to 77 N.m (57 lb ft).
Install the side bearings using a J 35409 and a press. See Special Tools .

Fig 2: Locating Pinion Gears

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the following components:
- Two pinion gears
- Two thrust washers
Install the following components:
- Two side gears
- Two thrust washers

Fig 3: Locating Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the pinion shaft.

Fig 4: Measuring Pinion Gear Backlash With J 8001

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Measure the pinion gear backlash with a J 8001 . Measure one side of the gear while holding one pinion toward the case. If the backlash is not 0.05-0.20 mm (0.0020-0.0079 in), install different thrust washers. Refer to Transaxle Specifications (Selective Snap Ring Table) or Transaxle Specifications (5th Gear Selective Snp Rng Tbl) or Transaxle Specifications (Thrust Washer Thickness) or Transaxle Specifications (Selective Bearing Shim Table) .
Select washers of the same size for both sides of the gear.

Fig 5: Locating Pinion Shaft Lock Pin

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the pinion shaft lock pin.

Fig 6: View Of Transaxle & Differential

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

After you obtain the correct backlash, stake the differential case.
Install the differential into the transaxle.
Pre-assemble the transaxle to measure bearing preload.

Fig 7: Identifying J 35405

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Measure the side bearing preload with the thinnest shim in the transaxle case, using a J 35405 and a torque wrench. See Special Tools .
Verify that one of the following conditions is true:
- New bearing preload is 0.8-1.6 N.m (6.9-13.9 lb ft)
- Reused bearing preload is 0.5-1.0 N.m (4.3-8.7 lb ft)
If the appropriate condition is true, then you are finished with the installation procedure. If the appropriate condition is not true, then continue with the remainder of the procedure.
Remove the outer race (transaxle case side) of the side bearing. Refer to Transaxle Disassemble .
Select an adjusting shim. Refer to Transaxle Specifications (Selective Snap Ring Table) or Transaxle Specifications (5th Gear Selective Snp Rng Tbl) or Transaxle Specifications (Thrust Washer Thickness) or Transaxle Specifications (Selective Bearing Shim Table) . The preload will change 0.3-0.4 N.m (2.6-3.5 lb ft) with each shim thickness.