Pinion Installation
^ 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.
2. Install the selective shim between the inner bearing and the gear shoulder.
3. Install the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion gear using the J 33785.
4. Install a new collapsible spacer onto the pinion gear.
5. Lubricate the pinion bearings using axle lubricant.
6. Install the outer pinion bearing into the carrier.
7. Install the pinion seal using the J33782.
8. Install the pinion gear (with the inner bearing and the spacer) into the carrier.
9. Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004) to the inside sealing surface of the pinion yoke.
10. Apply special seal lubricant (GM P/N 12377985) to the outside sealing surface of the pinion yoke.
11. Install the drive pinion yoke by tapping it with 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.
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 to maintain driveline balance.
12. Install the washer and a new nut using J 8614-01.
^ Tighten the nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
IMPORTANT: Reference the number of exposed threads on the pinion stem recorded during removal.
13. Measure the pinion bearing preload using an inch-pound torque wrench.
13.1. Rotate the pinion with the torque wrench and observe the reading.
13.2. The correct preload is 1.7 - 2.8 Nm (15 - 25 inch lbs.)
^ Tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the preload is correct.
IMPORTANT: If the pinion bearing preload is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
14. Once the specified preload is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated. Recheck the preload and adjust if necessary.