GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 22536 Pinion Driver
    • J 22912-O1 Rear Pinion Bearing Cone Remover
  1. Remove the differential carrier. Refer to Rear Axle Disassemble .

  2. Object Number: 164053  Size: SH
  3. Measure the differential drive pinion gear inner and outer bearing preload.
  4. If a preload measurement cannot be obtained, inspect for looseness of the drive pinion gear and/or damaged or defective drive pinion gear bearings.
  5. Damaged or defective drive pinion gear bearings must be replaced.

  6. If the rear axle was operated for an extended period with loose inner and outer drive pinion gear bearings, the following components will require replacement:
  7. • The ring gear
    • The drive pinion gear
  8. Remove the differential drive pinion gear yoke (1) and oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 164249  Size: SH
  10. With channel-locking pliers (4) and a wrench (1), install the J 22536 to the drive pinion gear shaft (2).

  11. Object Number: 164254  Size: SH
  12. Apply heavy hand pressure on J 22536 toward the rear axle housing (2). This pressure keeps the outer drive pinion gear (1) bearing seated in order to avoid damage to the outer race.
  13. Drive the pinion gear from the rear axle housing.
  14. Remove and discard the drive pinion gear bearing spacer from the drive pinion gear.
  15. Remove the drive pinion gear outer bearing from the rear axle housing.
  16. Remove the inner and outer pinion bearing races from the axle housing, if replacing the pinion gear bearings.
  17. Place the punch into the slots in the rear axle housing, alternating from side to side in order to evenly work the bearing races from the rear axle housing.


    Object Number: 164261  Size: SH
  18. Assemble the J 22912-O1 onto the inner drive pinion gear bearing.
  19. Place the drive pinion into a suitable press.
  20. Press the drive pinion shaft from the bearing.