GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Assembly Procedure

Tools Required

J 22919 Bearing Installer

Important: Apply oil to the bearing inner and outer race surfaces before assembly.

  1. Install the following parts:
  2. • The pinion gears
    • The pinion gear thrust washers
    • The side gears
    • The side gear thrust washers
    • The pinion shaft
    • The pinion shaft roll pin
  3. Measure the differential side gear backlash using a feeler gauge. The differential side gear backlash should fall within 0.030-0.080 mm (0.0012-0.0031 in).
  4. • If the differential side gear backlash is greater than 0.08 mm (0.0031 in), select larger size side gear thrust washers in order to bring the differential side gear backlash within the specification.
    • If the differential side gear backlash is less than 0.03 mm (0.0012 in), select smaller size side gear thrust washers in order to bring the differential side gear backlash within the specification.

    Caution: When handling parts that have been preheated for installation purposes, always wear leather welding gloves with a minimum amount of handling time. Failure to wear leather gloves may result in severe skin burns or personal injury.

    Important: Heat the new vehicle speed sensor (VSS) ring in an approved preheat oven to approximately 95°C (200°F) just prior to installation. Do not use an acetylene torch or other open flame. Always allow preheated parts to air cool after installation. Do not quench preheated parts with water. Use compressed air to help in cooling any preheated parts.

  5. Preheat the VSS ring to about 95°C (200°F).
  6. Install the new VSS ring.

  7. Install the right differential side bearing using the J 22919 and a hydraulic press.
  8. Important: Heat the differential ring gear in an approved preheat oven to approximately 50°-100°C (122°-212°F) just prior to installation. Do not use an acetylene torch or other open flame. Always allow preheated parts to air cool after installation. Do not quench preheated parts with water. Use compressed air to help in cooling any preheated parts.

  9. Preheat the ring gear to about 50-100°C (122-212°F).
  10. Install the differential ring gear onto the differential case.
  11. Install the differential ring gear bolts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 107 N·m (79 lb ft).

    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.

  13. Install the left differential side bearing using the J 22919 and a hydraulic press.