GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 22919 Bearing Installer
    • J 33374 Shaft Bearing Installer
    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle

    Object Number: 403608  Size: SH

    Important: Lubricate the bearing inner and outer race surfaces before assembly.

  1. Install the following parts into the differential case (7):
  2. • The pinion gears (2)
    • The pinion gear thrust washers (1)
    • The side gears (4)
    • The side gear thrust washers (3)
    • The pinion shaft (5)
    • The pinion shaft roll pin (6)

    Object Number: 403616  Size: SH
  3. Measure the differential side gear backlash using a feeler gauge. The differential side gear backlash should read between 0.03-0.08 mm (0.0012-0.0031 in).
  4. • If the differential side gear backlash is greater than 0.08 mm (0.0031 in), select larger size side gear thrust washers in order to bring the differential side gear backlash within the specification.
    • If the differential side gear backlash is less than 0.03 mm (0.0012 in), select smaller size side gear thrust washers in order to bring the differential side gear backlash within the specification.

    Object Number: 403621  Size: SH

    Caution: When handling parts that have been preheated for installation purposes, always wear leather welding gloves with a minimum amount of handling time. Failure to wear leather gloves may result in severe skin burns or personal injury.

    Important: Heat the new vehicle speed sensor (VSS) ring in an approved preheat oven just prior to installation. DO NOT use an acetylene torch or other open flame. Always allow preheated parts to cool after installation. DO NOT quench preheated parts with water. Use compressed air in order to help cool any preheated parts.

  5. Preheat the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) ring to approximately 95°C (200°F).
  6. Install the new vehicle speed sensor (VSS) ring onto the differential case.

  7. Object Number: 403624  Size: SH
  8. Install the right differential side bearing onto the differential case using the J 22919 , J 8092 and a press.

  9. Object Number: 403599  Size: SH

    Important: Heat the differential ring gear in an approved preheat oven just prior to installation. DO NOT use an acetylene torch or other open flame. Always allow preheated parts to cool after installation. DO NOT quench preheated parts with water. Use compressed air in order to help cool any preheated parts.

  10. Preheat the differential ring gear to approximately 50-100°C (122-212°F).
  11. Install the differential ring gear onto the differential case.
  12. Notice: 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.

  13. Install the ten differential ring gear bolts.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the ten differential ring gear bolts to 107 N·m (79 lb ft).


    Object Number: 403627  Size: SH
  15. Install the left differential side bearing using the J 22919 and a hydraulic press.