GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8614-01 Pinion Yoke Holder
    • J 33782 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
    • J 33785 Pinion Bearing Installer
  1. Ensure that the bearing cups are installed. Refer to Front Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Cup Installation .

  2. Object Number: 527662  Size: SH
  3. Install the selective shim between the inner bearing and the gear shoulder.
  4. Install the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion gear using the J 33785 .
  5. Install a new collapsible spacer onto the pinion gear.
  6. Lubricate the pinion bearings using axle lubricant.
  7. Install the outer pinion bearing into the carrier.

  8. Object Number: 321794  Size: SH
  9. Install the pinion seal using the J 33782 .
  10. Install the pinion gear (with the inner bearing and the spacer) into the carrier.
  11. Apply sealant to the inside sealing surface of the pinion yoke.
  12. Apply special seal lubricant to the outside sealing surface of the pinion yoke.
  13. 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.

    Important: Install the pinion yoke in the same position as marked during removal in order to maintain driveline balance.

  14. Install the drive pinion yoke by tapping the yoke using a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke. The pinion will need to be held in place from inside the carrier half.

  15. Object Number: 9225  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: Reference the number of exposed threads on the pinion stem recorded during removal.

  16. Install the washer and a new nut using the J 8614-01 .
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut in order to seat the bearings.


    Object Number: 1497  Size: SH

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

  18. Measure the pinion bearing preload using an inch-pound torque wrench.
  19. 13.1. Rotate the pinion with the torque wrench and observe the reading.
    13.2. The correct preload is 1.7-2.8N·m (15-25 lb in).

    Tighten
    Tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the preload is correct.

  20. Once the specified preload is obtained, rotate the pinion several times in order to ensure the bearings are seated. Recheck the preload and adjust if necessary.