GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 22536 Pinion Driver

  1. Remove the differential case. Refer to Rear Axle Disassemble .

  2. Object Number: 164053  Size: SH
  3. Measure the differential drive pinion gear inner and outer bearing preload.
  4. If no preload reading exists, then inspect for looseness of the drive pinion gear by shaking.
  5. The following conditions may cause looseness:

    • A worn drive pinion gear yoke
    • Defective inner or outer drive pinion gear bearings
  6. If the rear axle was opened for an extended period with very loose inner and outer drive pinion gear bearings, the following components will require replacement:
  7. • The ring gear
    • The drive pinion gear
  8. Remove the differential drive pinion gear yoke (1). Refer to Pinion Oil Seal Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 164249  Size: SH
  10. With channel-locking pliers (4) and a wrench (1), Install J 22536 to the differential drive pinion gear (2).

  11. Object Number: 164254  Size: SH
  12. Apply heavy hand pressure on J 22536 toward the rear axle housing (2). This pressure keeps the outer drive pinion gear (1) bearing seated in order to avoid damage to the outer race.

Outer Bearing Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the differential drive pinion gear seal from the rear axle housing.
  2. Remove the drive pinion gear outer bearing from the rear axle housing.
  3. Use a punch in order to remove the drive pinion gear outer bearing race from the rear axle housing, if the drive pinion gear outer bearing is being replaced.
  4. Place the punch into the slots in the rear axle housing.

Inner Bearing Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 22912-O1 Rear Pinion Bearing Cone Remover

  1. Remove the drive pinion gear bearing spacer from the drive pinion gear. Discard the drive pinion gear bearing spacer.
  2. Use a punch in order to remove the drive pinion gear inner bearing race from the rear axle housing, if the inner drive pinion gear bearing is being replaced. Place the punch into the slots in the rear axle housing.

  3. Object Number: 164261  Size: SH
  4. Use the J 22912-O1 in order to drive the inner drive pinion gear bearing from the drive pinion gear.