GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 8614-01 Holder/Remover
    • J 44414 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 the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Note: Step 3 is for those vehicles that are equipped with the 10.5 inch axle.

  4. Remove the rear wheel axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
  5. Note: Step 4 is for those vehicles that are equipped with the 8.6 or 9.5 inch axle.

  6. Remove the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement.
  7. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement

  8. Object Number: 661077  Size: SH

    Note: Record this measurement for reassembly.

  9. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion..

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

  12. Object Number: 661080  Size: SH
  13. Using the J 8614-01 holder/remover and holding it, remove the pinion nut.
  14. Remove the washer.

  15. Object Number: 661074  Size: SH

    Note: Rotate the J 8614-3 clockwise to remove the yoke.

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

  17. Object Number: 1961124  Size: SH
  18. Using a suitable tool, remove the drive pinion seal (1).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 651744  Size: SH
  1. Using the J 44414 installer , install a new pinion oil seal.
  2. Apply sealant to the splines of the pinion yoke. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
  3. Caution: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 2139124  Size: SH

    Note: Align the reference marks and install the drive pinion yoke.

  4. Using a soft faced hammer, install the drive flange (1) onto the pinion shaft until a few treads show through the drive flange (1).
  5. Install the washer (2) and the nut (3).

  6. 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.

  7. Using and holding the J 8614-01 holder/remover , tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearing.

  8. Object Number: 661077  Size: SH

    Note: Compare this measurement with the rotating torque prior to removing the drive flange.

  9. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the rotating torque is 0.40-0.57 N·m (3- 5 lb in) greater than the rotating torque recorded during removal.
  10. Note: Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.

  11. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
  12. Install the propeller shaft assembly. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  13. Note: Step 9 is for those vehicles that are equipped with the 10.5 inch axle.

  14. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
  15. Note: Step 10 is for those vehicles that are equipped with the 8.6 or 9.5 inch axle.

  16. Install the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement.
  17. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  18. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
  19. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.