GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 25863 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer
    • J 22912-B Rear Pinion and Axle Bearing Remover

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 804586  Size: SH

    Notice: Never clamp propeller shaft tubing in a vise. Clamping propeller shaft tubing in a vise could dent or deform the tube causing an imbalance or unsafe condition. Always clamp on one of the yokes and support the shaft horizontally.

    Important: Proper alignment on assembly is critical in order to maintain correct balance.

  1. Using a paint stick, mark the shaft on both sides. The splines are not keyed, therefore, alignment marks are necessary for assembly.

  2. Object Number: 804588  Size: SH

    Important: The clamp is not reusable.

  3. Remove the clamp holding the dust boot to the shaft. Discard the clamp.

  4. Object Number: 804590  Size: SH
  5. Pry the dust boot off the shaft tube.

  6. Object Number: 804594  Size: SH
  7. Hold the shaft on both sides of the bearing and pull or separate the 2 halves.

  8. Object Number: 804595  Size: SH
  9. Remove the O-ring from the end of the spline shaft.

  10. Object Number: 804598  Size: SH
  11. Remove the dust boot.

  12. Object Number: 804599  Size: SH

    Important: Do not reuse the slinger.

  13. Pry off the bearing slinger from the spline shaft. Discard the slinger.

  14. Object Number: 804600  Size: SH

    Important: Grease may have to be removed to see the snap ring.

  15. Remove the snap ring from the groove.

  16. Object Number: 804601  Size: SH
  17. Install the J 22912-B around the shaft behind the bearing. Place shaft in a press and remove the bearing.

Clean and Inspect


    Object Number: 804602  Size: SH
  1. Clean grease from the splines on both halves of the shaft.
  2. Remove any corrosion or debris from the bearing area.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 804603  Size: SH
  1. Slide a NEW bearing over the spline shaft.
  2. Using the J 25863 , drive on the bearing until it seats and the snap ring groove is visible.

  3. Object Number: 804600  Size: SH
  4. Install a NEW snap ring in the groove.

  5. Object Number: 804606  Size: SH
  6. Apply 5-6 grams (0.18-0.21 oz) of grease from the kit in the snap ring area, ensuring that the surface of the bearing is covered.

  7. Object Number: 804607  Size: SH
  8. Install a NEW slinger from kit with the J 25863 until it seats on the shaft against the bearing.

  9. Object Number: 804598  Size: SH
  10. Apply 1 gram (0.03 oz) of grease to the inside of the dust boot.
  11. Slide the dust boot over the splines with the clamp end out.

  12. Object Number: 804595  Size: SH
  13. Install the NEW O-ring on the end of the spline shaft.
  14. Apply 1-2 grams (0.03-0.07 oz) of grease to the splines for assembly.

  15. Object Number: 804614  Size: SH
  16. Install the NEW dust boot clamp over the splines.

  17. Object Number: 804586  Size: SH
  18. Align the paint marks on the shaft to ensure proper assembly balance. Push the splines together.
  19. Push the dust boot and clamp over the shaft.

  20. Object Number: 804620  Size: SH
  21. Compress the dust boot retaining clamp.