Tools Required

Important: Observe and mark the positions of all the driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and the axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Assemble all the components in the exact places in which you removed the parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and measurements made prior to disassembly.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.



3. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
4. Record the measurement.



5. In order to maintain the correct drive pinion gear and pinion flange/yoke relationship, mark the position of the following components before disassembly:

•	The drive pinion gear flange/yoke (1)

•	The drive pinion gear shaft

6. Place a drain pan under the rear axle pinion flange/yoke.
7. Install the J 8614-01 to the pinion flange.
8. Using the J 8614-01 in order to hold the pinion flange stationary, remove the following components:

•	The drive pinion gear nut

•	The drive pinion gear washer




9. With the J 8614-01 still installed to the pinion flange, use the forcing screw in order to remove the drive pinion gear flange/yoke (1).




Important: Do not damage the rear axle housing when removing the drive pinion gear seal.

10. Use a blunt chisel in order to drive the drive pinion gear seal out of the rear axle housing.
11. Inspect the sealing surface of the drive pinion flange/yoke for the following conditions:

•	Tool marks

•

Nicks

•	Grooves from the drive pinion oil seal

12. If the drive pinion gear flange/yoke is damaged or grooved, replace the drive pinion gear flange/yoke.
13. Inspect the housing bore for burrs.

Remove any burrs that might cause leaks around the outer diameter (OD) of the drive pinion gear seal.

1. Install the new drive pinion gear oil seal using the J 33782 .
2. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion flange/yoke.

Important: Install the pinion gear flange/yoke to the pinion gear shaft in the same position as marked during removal in order to maintain correct driveline balance.




3. Align the reference mark on the pinion flange/yoke to the pinion gear shaft and install the drive pinion gear flange/yoke.
4. Install the following components:

•	The drive pinion gear washer

•	The new drive pinion gear nut

5. Hand tighten the drive pinion gear nut.




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.

Important: Do not exceed the rotating torque specification. If the rotating torque specification is exceeded, the collapsible spacer must be replaced.

6. Using the J 8614-01 in order to hold the drive pinion gear flange/yoke (1) stationary, tighten the pinion gear nut until the pinion end play is removed.
7. Tighten the drive pinion gear nut in small increments while measuring the rotating torque of the pinion.

Tighten
Tighten the drive pinion gear nut until the rotating torque is 0.40-0.57 N·m (3-5 lb in) greater the rotating torque recorded during removal.

8. Remove the tool.
9. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
10. Inspect the rear axle lubricant level. Refer to Lubricant Level Check .
11. Lower the vehicle.