GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Carefully and thoroughly inspect all drive unit parts before assembly. Thorough inspection of the drive parts for wear or stress with subsequent replacement of worn parts eliminates costly drive component repair after assembly.

       Important: Ring and pinion gears are matched sets and both are replaced any time a replacement of either is necessary.

    • Inspect the pinion and ring gear teeth for cracking, chipping, scoring, and excessive wear.
    • Inspect the pinion gear splines for wear.
    • Inspect the pinion flange splines for wear.
    • Inspect the fit of the pinion gear splines on the pinion flange.
    • Inspect the sealing surface of the pinion flange for nicks, burrs, or rough tool marks that could cause damage to the inside diameter of the seal and result in an oil leak.
    • Replace all worn or broken parts.