Companion Flange

COMPANION FLANGE REMOVAL / INSTALLATION

Removal Note

Caution:
^ This operation disturbs the differential pinion bearing preload. This preload must be carefully reset when assembling.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.





2. Index mark the front propeller shaft to the companion flange.

Note:
^ Do not allow the propeller shaft to hang unsupported.

3. Disconnect the front propeller shaft.
4. Measure the pinion bearing preload.
^ Use a beam-type torque wrench to measure the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion and record the measurement for reference during installation.





5. Index mark the companion flange to the pinion stem.





6. Use Coupling Holder SST 49 S120 710 and remove the pinion nut.

Caution:
^ Before proceeding, place a drain pan under the axle housing.

Note:
^ Inspect the companion flange for burrs and replace as necessary. Make sure that the surfaces of the companion flange have not been damaged during removal. The end of the companion flange that contacts the bearing cone, the nut counterbore, and the seal surface must be smooth and free of nicks.

7. Use a 2-Jaw Puller to remove the companion flange.

Installation Note
1. Lubricate the companion flange splices.
^ Use axle lubricant meeting specification API Service GL-5.

Caution:
^ The companion flange must never be hammered on or installed with power tools.





2. Align the index marks and position the companion flange.
3. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the washer side of the new pinion nut and install hand-tight.

Caution:
^ Never back off the pinion nut to reduce preload. If reduced preload is required, install a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut.

Note:
^ Pinion bearing preload is set by tightening the pinion nut.





4. Use Coupling Holder SST 49 S120 710 to hold the companion flange while tightening the pinion nut and set the preload.
(1) Tighten the pinion nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to ensure the differential pinion bearings are seating properly. Take frequent differential pinion bearing preload readings until the desired reading is obtained by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch/pound) torque wrench.
(2) If the original recorded preload is lower than specification, tighten to specification. If the original recorded preload is higher than specification, tighten to the original reading as recorded.
5. Align the index marks and position the front propeller shaft.





6. Install the universal joint spider retainers and bolts.
7. Check the fluid level and fill the axle to specification.
(1) Use axle lubricant meeting specification API Service GL-5.
8. Lower the vehicle.