GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 24430 Differential Side Bearing Installer
    • J 36597 Side Bearing Puller Pilot
    • J 45711 Differential Side Bearing Remover - Dana 248
    • J 45900 Differential Side Bearing Installer - Dana Axles
    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 in - 10

Measurement and Adjustment Procedure

  1. Remove the differential side bearing shims. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement.
  2. Determine the pinion position shim and the pinion preload shims, if necessary. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment.

  3. Object Number: 651740  Size: SH
  4. Install the differential side bearing without the side bearing shims by doing the following:
  5. 3.1. In order to protect the differential case, install the J 36597 in the case on the side opposite of the bearing installation.
    3.2. Install the differential side bearing.
    3.3. Install the J 24430 or the J 45900  (2) and the J 8092  (1) over the differential side bearing.
    3.4. Drive the differential side bearing into position using the J 24430 or the J 45900 and the J 8092 .
  6. Install the differential assembly into the axle housing.
  7. Move the differential assembly to the left until the left differential side bearing is against the left side bearing bore.
  8. Note: Install the bearing caps into the same position from which each was removed.

  9. Install the left side bearing cap.
  10. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  11. Install the left side bearing cap bolts and tighten the bearing cap bolts finger tight.
  12. Do not tighten the bolts to specification at this time.

  13. While holding the differential assembly against the left side bearing bore, press the right side bearing cup against the right differential side bearing.
  14. Note: In order to accurately measure the differential side bearing shim thickness, the differential side bearing cup must be evenly seated against the differential side bearing.


    Object Number: 820553  Size: SH
  15. Using a feeler gage, measure the distance between the right side bearing cup and the right side bearing bore. Use progressively larger feeler gage sizes until a moderate drag is felt. Repeat this step several times while rotating the differential case in order to obtain a consistent reading.
  16. This measurement, measurement a, is the total shim pack thickness for the differential assembly without preload.

    Warning: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.

  17. Remove the left side bearing cap bolts.
  18. Remove the left side bearing cap.
  19. Install the right side bearing cap.
  20. Install the right side bearing cap bolts.
  21. Tighten the bearing cap bolts finger tight. Do not tighten the bolts to specification at this time.

  22. While holding the differential assembly ring gear against the drive pinion, press the left side bearing cup against the left differential side bearing.
  23. Note: In order to accurately measure the differential side bearing shim thickness, the differential side bearing cup must be evenly seated against the differential side bearing.


    Object Number: 820556  Size: SH
  24. Using a feeler gage, measure the distance between the left side bearing cup and the left side bearing bore. Use progressively larger feeler gage sizes until a moderate drag is felt. Repeat this step several times while re-positioning the differential case in order to obtain a consistent reading.
  25. This measurement, measurement b, is the left side shim thickness for the differential assembly without preload.

  26. In order to determine the right side shim thickness, subtract the left side measurement, measurement b, from the total shim measurement, measurement a.
  27. This measurement is the thickness for the right side shim thickness without preload or setting the initial backlash.

  28. Remove the right side bearing cap bolts.
  29. Remove the right side bearing cap.
  30. Remove the differential assembly.

  31. Object Number: 821010  Size: SH
  32. Remove the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:
  33. 20.1. Install the J 45711  (2) and the J 36597  (1) as shown.
    20.2. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 45711 and a hydraulic press.
  34. Add 0.25 mm (0.010 in) of shim thickness to the right side shim thickness measurement determined in step 16.
  35. This additional amount will set the differential side bearing preload and the initial backlash.

    Note: The number of shims required in order to equal the correct thickness may consist of one or more shims.

  36. Install the right side shim thickness onto the differential case.
  37. Measure the shims one at a time. Add the measurements together in order to obtain the total thickness of the right side shim pack.


    Object Number: 651740  Size: SH
  38. Install the right differential side bearing with the side bearing shim thickness by doing the following:
  39. 23.1. In order to protect the differential case, install the J 8107-3 in the case on the side opposite of the bearing installation.
    23.2. Place the differential side shim thickness on top of the differential case.
    23.3. Place the differential side bearing on top of the differential case.
    23.4. Install the J 24430 or the J 45900  (2) and the J 8092  (1) over the differential side bearing.
    23.5. Drive the differential side bearing into position using the J 24430 or the J 45900 and the J 8092 .

    Note: The number of shims required in order to equal the correct thickness may consist of one or more shims.

  40. Install the left side bearing shim thickness and differential side bearing using the steps above.
  41. Install the differential assembly into the axle housing. Refer to Differential Replacement.
  42. The differential side bearing shims are available in the following sizes:

    • Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Inspection and Adjustment.
    • 0.25 mm (0.010 in)
    • 0.28 mm (0.011 in)
    • 0.30 mm (0.012 in)
    • 0.33 mm (0.013 in)
    • 0.36 mm (0.014 in)
    • 0.38 mm (0.015 in)
    • 0.41 mm (0.016 in)
    • 0.43 mm (0.017 in)
    • 0.46 mm (0.018 in)
    • 0.48 mm (0.019 in)
    • 0.51 mm (0.020 in)
    • 1.02 mm (0.040 in)