Drive Pinion Flange Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement
Drive Pinion Flange Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement^ Tools Required
- J 8614-01 Flange/Pulley Holding Tool
- J 22388 Pinion Oil Seal Installer (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch Axle)
- J 44414 Pinion Seal Installer (10.5 inch Axle)
Removal Procedure
Important: Observe and mark the positions of all the driveline components, relative to the propeller shaft and the axles, prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all the components in the exact places in which you removed the parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and any measurements made prior to disassembly.
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
3. Remove the rear brake drums (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
4. Remove the axle shafts (10.5 inch axle).
5. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the rear axle.
6. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench.
Record this measurement for reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:
^ The pinion bearings
^ The pinion pilot bearing (10.5 inch axle)
^ The pinion oil seal
^ The differential case bearings
^ The axle bearings (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles)
^ The axle seals (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles)
7. Draw two arrows pointing at each other, one on the pinion stem, the other on the pinion yoke.
8. Record the number of exposed threads on the pinion stem for reference.
9. Install the J 8614-01 as shown.
10. Remove the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01.
11. Remove the washer.
12. Install the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (3) into the J 8614-01 (1) as shown.
13. Remove the pinion yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (3) clockwise while holding the J8614-01 (1).
Use a container in order to retrieve the lubricant.
14. Remove the pinion oil seal. Use a suitable seal removal tool. Do not damage the housing.
Installation Procedure
1. Install a new seal using the J22388 (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle) or the J44414 (10.5 inch axle).
2. Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent) to the splines of the pinion yoke.
3. Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.
Notice: Refer to Do not hammer the pinion flange in Service Precautions.
4. 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.
5. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Install the propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion yoke or to the yoke flange.
11. Install the axle shafts (10.5 inch axle).
12. Install the brake drums (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
13. Install the tire and the wheel (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
14. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary.
15. Lower the vehicle.