GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle- ¾ in - 10
    • J 8608 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer
    • J 8611-01 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer
    • J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
    • J 22912-B Split-Plate Bearing Puller
    • J 24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer
    • J 38694 Extension Housing Oil Pump/Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  3. Remove the drive pinion from the axle. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 680110  Size: SH
  5. Press the bearing off of the pinion using the J 22912-B .
  6. Remove the shim.

  7. Object Number: 889100  Size: SH
  8. Remove the outer pinion bearing cup from the axle housing using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the housing evenly.

  9. Object Number: 889098  Size: SH
  10. Remove the inner pinion bearing cup from the axle housing using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the housing evenly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 889101  Size: SH
  1. Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 8611-01  (1), and the J 8092  (2).

  2. Object Number: 651743  Size: SH
  3. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 8608  (2) and the J 8092  (1).
  4. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .

  5. Object Number: 651742  Size: SH
  6. Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder on the gear.
  7. Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433 .
  8. Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion shim.

  9. Install a new collapsible spacer.
  10. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  11. Install the pinion into the axle housing.
  12. Install the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.

  13. Object Number: 651744  Size: SH
  14. Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 38694 .
  15. Apply sealant, P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.

  16. Object Number: 788905  Size: SH
  17. Install the pinion yoke.
  18. Align the marks made during removal.

  19. Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
  20. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.

  21. Object Number: 788482  Size: SH
  22. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
  23. 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.

  24. Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 .
  25. Tighten
    Tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.


    Object Number: 661077  Size: SH
  26. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
  27. Specification
    The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0-2.3 N·m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.

  28. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N·m (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 N·m (15 lb in) for new bearings, continue to tighten the pinion nut.
  29. Tighten
    Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 1.0-2.3 N·m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.

  30. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
  31. Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.

  32. Install the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  33. Install the brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  34. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  35. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  36. Fill the axle with axle lubricant lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  37. Lower the vehicle.