Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement
Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement^ Tools Required
- J 7817 0uter Bearing Race Installer
- J 8092 Universal Driver Handle- 3/4 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 22912-01 Split-Plate Bearing Puller
- J 24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer
- J 33782 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
- J 38694 Extension Housing Oil Pump/Seal Installer
Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Remove the brake calipers.
4. Remove the brake rotors.
5. Remove the axle shafts.
6. Remove the differential.
7. Remove the drive pinion from the axle.
8. Press the bearing off of the pinion using the J 22912-01.
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.
Installation Procedure
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 J8608 (2) and the J8092 (1).
3. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion.
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.
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 J33782, 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 J8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
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 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.
^ The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0 - 2.8 Nm (10 - 25 inch lbs.), used bearings, or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.), new bearings.
18. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Nm (10 inch lbs.), used bearings, or 1.7 Nm (15 inch lbs.), new bearings, continue to tighten the pinion nut.
^ Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 1.0 - 2.8 Nm (10 - 25 inch lbs.), used bearings, or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.), 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.
21. Install the brake rotors.
22. Install the brake calipers.
23. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
24. Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
25. Lower the vehicle.