11.5 Inch Axle
Rear Axle - Assemble (11.5 Inch Axle)^ Tools Required
- J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench
- J 8092 Driver Handle
- J 8608 Outer Pinion Bearing Race Installer
- J 8614-01 Flange/Pulley Holding Tool
- J 44412 Pinion Bearing Installer
- J 44414 Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer
- J 44417 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer
- J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Adjuster Wrench
1. Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 8608 (1) and the J 8092 (2).
2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 44417 (1) and the J 8092 (2).
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 44412. 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 seal using the J44414.
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.
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.
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: 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 nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
17. Install the differential bearing adjusters.
18. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
19. Place the differential case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.
20. Install the bearing caps and the bolts.
Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.
21. Turn the adjusters evenly on each side using the J 24429 until snug against the differential.
22. Adjust the differential side bearing preload.
23. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion. Compare this measurement with the rotating torque recorded during removal.
^ Tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the rotating torque is 0.40 - 0.57 Nm (3 - 5 inch lbs.) greater than the rotating torque recorded during removal.
24. 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.
25. Adjust the backlash.
26. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check.
27. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
^ Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 207 Nm (153 lb ft).
28. Install the differential adjuster nut locks.
29. Install the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolts.
^ Tighten the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolts to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
30. Apply a light coat of high melting point Extreme Pressure bearing lubricant to the axle housing spindle.
31. Install the wheel hub to the axle housing.
32. Install the adjusting nut to the hub using the J 2222-C.
33. Adjust the wheel bearings.
34. Install the gasket onto the axle shaft.
35. Install the gasket and the axle shaft into the axle tube.
35.1. Ensure the shaft splines mesh into the differential side gear.
35.2. Align the holes in the axle flange and the gasket with the holes in the hub.
36. Install the axle flange bolts.
^ Tighten the axle flange bolts to 200 Nm (148 lb ft).
37. Install the rear axle housing cover (2) and a new gasket.
Important: Do not reuse the rear axle housing cover bolts.
38. Install the new rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
^ Tighten the rear housing cover bolts in a crosswise pattern to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).
39. Install the drain plug.
^ Tighten the drain plug to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).
40. Fill the axle using the proper lubricant.
41. Install the seal and the fill plug.
^ Tighten the fill plug to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).