GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
    • J 33782 Pinion Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  3. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  4. Remove the rear steering gear crossmember. Refer to Rear Steering Gear Crossmember Replacement in Frame and Underbody.

  5. Object Number: 157174  Size: SH
  6. Measure the torque required in order to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record the torque value for reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:
  7. • The pinion bearings
    • The pinion seal
    • The carrier bearings
    • The axle bearings
    • The axle seals

    Object Number: 788905  Size: SH
  8. Scribe an alignment line between the pinion shaft and the pinion yoke.

  9. Object Number: 664065  Size: SH
  10. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion as shown.
  11. Remove the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 .

  12. Object Number: 664070  Size: SH
  13. Install the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (3) into the J 8614-01 (1) as shown.
  14. Remove the pinon yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (3) clockwise while holding the J 8614-01 (1).
  15. Important: Carefully remove the seal from the bore. Do not distort or scratch the aluminum case.

  16. Remove the oil seal using a suitable seal removal tool.

  17. Object Number: 767106  Size: SH
  18. Remove the dust deflector from the pinion yoke using a soft-faced hammer.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 767106  Size: SH
  1. Install the new deflector onto the pinion yoke using a soft-faced hammer.

  2. Object Number: 756168  Size: SH

    Important: Drive the seal in straight, not at an angle, as this will damage the aluminum housing.

  3. Install the new oil seal by doing the following:
  4. 2.1. Position the oil seal in the bore.
    2.2. Install the J 33782 over the oil seal.
    2.3. Strike the J 33782 with a hammer until the seal flange seats on the axle housing surface.
  5. Apply sealant to the splines of the drive pinion yoke.
  6. Install the pinion yoke.
  7. Align the reference marks made during removal.

    Notice: Do not hammer the pinion flange/yoke onto the pinion shaft. Pinion components may be damaged if the pinion flange/yoke is hammered onto the pinion shaft.

  8. 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.
  9. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.

  10. Object Number: 664065  Size: SH
  11. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
  12. 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.

  13. Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 .
  14. 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.

  15. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
  16. Compare the measurement of the rotating torque to the measurement recorded earlier.

    Specification
    The rotating torque of the pinion nut should be 0.40-0.57 N·m (3-5 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.

  17. If the rotating torque is not within specifications, continue to tighten the pinion nut.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 0.40-0.57 N·m (3-5 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.

  19. 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.
  20. Install the rear steering gear crossmember. Refer to Rear Steering Gear Crossmember Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  21. Install the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  22. Install the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  23. Inspect the axle lubricant level, and add, if necessary. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  24. Lower the vehicle.