Tools Required

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
4. Remove the brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
5. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
6. Remove the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
7. Remove the drive pinion from the axle. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .



8. Press the bearing off of the pinion using the J 22912-B .
9. Remove the shim.
10. Remove the drive pinion bearing cups 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.

1. Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 7817 , 8.0 inch axle, or the J 8611-01 , 8.6 inch axle (2), and the J 8092  (1).



2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 8608  (2) and the J 8092  (1).
3. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .



4. Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder on the gear.
5. Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433 .

Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion shim.

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



10. Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 33782 , 8.0 inch axle, or the J 38694 , 8.6 inch axle.
11. Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent) to the splines of the pinion yoke.



12. Install the pinion yoke.

Align the marks made during removal.

13. 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.
14. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.



15. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.

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

16. Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 .

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.




17. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.

Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0-2.8 N·m (10-25 lb in), used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in), new bearings.

18. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N·m (10 lb in), used bearings, or 1.7 N·m (15 lb in), new bearings, continue to tighten the pinion nut.

Tighten
Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 1.0-2.8 N·m (10-25 lb in), used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in), new bearings.

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 differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
21. Install the brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
22. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
23. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
24. Fill the axle with axle lubricant lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubricant Change .
25. Lower the vehicle.