Special Tools

1. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement.
3. Remove the front axle propeller shaft heat shield. Refer to Shield Replacement.



4. Install the J 45012 to the drive pinion flange.



5. Using the appropriate size socket and a breaker bar, remove the drive pinion flange nut.
6. Remove J 45012 from the drive pinion flange.



7. Install the J 8614-01 to the drive pinion flange.
8. Using the J 8614-01 , remove the drive pinion flange.
9. Remove the J 8614-01 from the drive pinion flange.



10. Using a flat-bladed tool, remove the drive pinion seal. Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces.

1. Lubricate the drive pinion flange sealing surface of the drive pinion seal with synthetic gear oil GM P/N 12378514 (Canadian P/N 88901045) or equivalent.



2. Using the DT-48075  (1), install the new drive pinion seal (2) in the pinion housing (3).
3. Remove the DT 48075 from the pinion housing.
4. Install the pinion flange to the drive pinion shaft.

Note: The pinion shaft threads and the pinion flange nut must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker in order to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention.

5. Prepare the pinion shaft threads and the pinion flange nut for assembly:

5.1.	Thoroughly clean the residue from the pinion shaft threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.

5.2.	Thoroughly clean the residue from the pinion flange nut by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.

6. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the pinion shaft threads. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the pinion shaft threads.
7. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately ten minutes before installation.



8. Install the drive pinion flange nut to the pinion shaft.



9. Install the J 45012 to the drive pinion flange.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

10. While holding the J 45012 , tighten the drive pinion nut to 241 N·m (178 lb ft).
11. Remove the J 45012 from the pinion flange.
12. Install the front axle propeller shaft heat shield. Refer to Shield Replacement.
13. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement.
14. Inspect the fluid level. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
15. Lower the vehicle.