GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 8614-01 Flange Holder and Remover
    • J 22388 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
    • J 44414 Pinion Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

Note: 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. Reassemble all the components in the exact places in which you removed the parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and any measurements made prior to disassembly.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the rear brake drum, if equipped. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement.
  4. Remove the rear disc brake rotor, if equipped. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement.
  5. Note: The following procedure is for the 10.5 or 11.5 inch axles.

  6. Remove the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
  7. Note: Reference mark the rear propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion yoke.

  8. Remove the propeller shaft.
  9. • For vehicles equipped the a one piece propeller shaft, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
    • For vehicles equipped with a two piece propeller shaft, refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

    Object Number: 661077  Size: SH

    Note: Record this measurement for reassembly.

  10. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the rotational torque of the differential ring and pinion gear and related components.

  11. Object Number: 788905  Size: SH
  12. Place an alignment mark between the pinion and the pinion yoke.

  13. Object Number: 661080  Size: SH

    Note: DO NOT reuse the pinion nut, replace with NEW.

  14. Using the J 8614-01 holder and remover , remove and discard the pinion the pinion nut.

  15. Object Number: 661074  Size: SH

    Note: Remove the pinion yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (3) clockwise

  16. Using the J 8614-2 (2), J 8614-3 (3) and the J 8614-01 remover  (1), remove the pinion yoke.

  17. Object Number: 1483208  Size: SH

    Note: DO NOT damage the axle housing.

  18. Using a suitable tool, remove the pinion oil seal.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1483208  Size: SH
  1. Using the J 22388 installer , install the new pinion oil seal.

  2. Object Number: 1483204  Size: SH
  3. Apply the proper sealant to the splines of the pinion yoke. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
  4. Align the reference marks and install the pinion yoke.
  5. Caution: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Caution in the Preface section.

    Note: Tap the pinion yoke until a few threads show through the pinion yoke.

  6. Using a soft faced hammer, seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft.
  7. Install the washer and a NEW pinion nut.

  8. Object Number: 661080  Size: SH

    Note: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.

  9. Holding the J 8614-01 holder , tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up.
  10. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
  11. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 661077  Size: SH

    Note: Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.

  12. Using an inch pound torque wrench and tightening in small increments, measure the rotating torque of the pinion until the reading is greater than 0.40-0.57 N·m (3-5 lb in) the rotational torque noted at removal.
  13. Note: Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.

  14. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to seat the bearings.
  15. Note: Reference mark the rear propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion yoke.

  16. Install the propeller shaft.
  17. • For vehicles equipped the a one piece propeller shaft, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
    • For vehicles equipped with a two piece propeller shaft, refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

    Note: The following procedure is for the 10.5 or 11.5 inch axles.

  18. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
  19. Install the rear brake drum, if equipped. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement.
  20. Install the rear disc brake rotor, if equipped. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement.
  21. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  22. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
  23. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.