Special Tools

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. 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. Drain the axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
3. Remove the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
4. Remove the rear propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .



5. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion and the ring gear. Record this measurement for reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:

•	The pinion bearings

•	The pinion pilot bearing

•	The pinion oil seal

•	The differential case bearings

6. Remove the drive pinion flange/yoke and/or oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
7. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer and the pinion.
8. Remove the selective shim.
9. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record this measurement for reassembly.



10. Using the J 8614-01 , remove the pinion nut.
11. Remove the washer.



12. Using the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (1) into the J 8614-01  (3), remove the pinion yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (1) clockwise.
13. Using a suitable seal remover, remove the pinion oil seal. Do not damage the housing.
14. Remove the outer pinion bearing.



15. Remove the pinion.



16. Remove the collapsible spacer.



17. Using the J 22912-B and a hydraulic press, remove the inner pinion bearing from the pinion.




Important: When performing the following service procedure, move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the retainer evenly.

18. Using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided, remove the outer pinion bearing cup.




Important: When performing the following service procedure, move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the retainer evenly.

19. Using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided, remove the inner pinion bearing cup.

1. Using the J 37624  (2) and the J 8092  (1), Install the inner pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer.



2. Using the J 8608  (2) and the J 8092  (1), install the outer pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer.




Important: Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.

3. Using the J 24433 , install the inner pinion bearing.
4. Install a new collapsible spacer.
5. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .



6. Install the pinion into the pinion gear bearing retainer.
7. Install the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.



8. Using the J 44414 , install a new pinion oil seal.
9. Install the drive pinion flange/yoke and/or oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.





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

10. Using the J 8614-01 , tighten the pinion nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.




11. Using an inch pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the pinion. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.

Tighten
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.

12. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated. Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.
13. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear bearing retainer. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .



14. Apply sealant, GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent, to sealing surface of the pinion gear bearing retainer.
15. Install the selective shim.

Align the tab on the shim with the unmachined surface of the pinion gear bearing retainer.

16. Apply sealant, GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent, to surface of the selective shim.
17. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer.
18. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts to 88 N·m (65 lb ft).




19. Using an inch pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.

Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear should be between 3.9-6.2 N·m (30-55 lb in) for new bearings or 2.8-5.6 N·m (25-50 lb in) for used bearings.

20. If the rotating torque of the pinion and the ring gear is not within specifications, adjust the preload of the pinion or the differential side bearings as necessary.
21. Install the rear propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .
22. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
23. Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
24. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.