Important: If the pinion assembly components have not been replaced, reuse the original pinion housing shims. If the pinion assembly components have been replaced, refer to
Drive Pinion Shim Selection
for selection of the proper size shims.
- Assemble the drive pinion prior to rear axle assembly. Refer to
Drive Pinion Assemble
.
- Using the
J 46405
, install the oil seal into the left cover.
- Using the
J 46405
, install the oil seal into the right cover.
- Install the pinion housing assembly (4) and the selected shim or shims (19) to the differential
housing. Refer to
Drive Pinion Shim Selection
for shim selection.
The use of M8 x 1.25 dowels or long bolts will ease in pinion housing/cage and shim installation and alignment.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install the pinion housing/cage bolts (7).
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).
- Install the
J 42155
into the groove of the output shaft
in order to install the differential case assembly.
- Install the C-clip (115) into the groove of the output shaft.
- Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the
threads (2) of the bolts (21).
- Apply sealant GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent to the head (1) of the bolts (21), only to seal them. Also apply to the threads (3) of the stud (22) that goes into the carrier.
- Install the adapter (23) and bolts (21).
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).
- Install 2 M10 x 1.5 nuts onto the transmission stud (22). Install the stud into the adapter.
Tighten
Tighten the stud to 42 N·m (31 lb ft).
- Install the O-ring (9) to the groove of the right cover (3)
and the dowel (10) into the carrier.
- Install the right cover and bolts (7).
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).
- Install the
J 8001
onto the
transmission stud. Position the tip of the dial indicator against the center of the ring gear tooth surface.
- Install the
J 42164
into the splines of the pinion. You
must hold
J 42164
to retain the pinion in order to properly measure backlash.
- Move the right output shaft in both directions in order to measure the gear backlash. Measure the backlash in two to three locations
at the ring gear teeth while holding the pinion shaft. Refer to
Rear Axle Specifications
.
Important: Some rear axle carriers with a revised design do not have a machined O-ring groove. These applications require a gasket. This may also be noted after carrier replacement.
- Install the cover - rear (5), bolt (16), and O-ring (17) or gasket - some models (12).
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).
- Remove the bolts (3) and the differential assembly (1) from the
J 42173
(2).
- Install the O-ring (9) into the groove of the left cover (2).
- Install the magnet (15) and dowel (10) to the carrier.
- Apply a continuous 3 mm (0.125 in) bead of sealant GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466), or equivalent, to the left cover flange (2).
- Apply sealant around the bolt holes. Keep sealant away from the O-ring.
- Install the left cover (2) and bolts (7).
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).
- Clean the excess sealant from the left cover/housing split line.
- Install the drain plug (25) and washer (24).
Tighten
Tighten the drain plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).
- Refer to
Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement
.