8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axle
Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles)^ Tools Required
- J 7818 Inner Bearing Race Installer (9.5 inch axle)
- J 8092 Driver Handle
- J 8608 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer (8.6 inch, 11.5 inch axle)
- J 861l-01 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer (8.6 inch axle)
- J 22306 Pinion Cup Bearing Installer-Rear (9.5 inch axle)
- J 22388 Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle)
- J 22912-01 Split Plate Bearing Puller
- J 24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer (8.6 inch axle)
- J 36614 Inner Pinion Bearing Installer (9.5 inch axle)
- J 44412 Pinion Bearing Installer (11.5 inch axle)
- J 44414 Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer (11.5 inch axle)
- J 44417 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer (11.5 inch axle)
Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
3. Remove the brake calipers (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
4. Remove the brake rotors (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
5. Remove the axle shafts.
6. Remove the differential.
7. Remove the pinion from the axle.
8. Press the bearing off of the pinion using the J 22912-01.
9. Remove the shim.
10. Remove the 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 8611-01 (8.6 inch axle) (2), or the J 7818 (9.5 inch axle) (2), or the J 8608 (11.5 inch axle) (2) and the J 8092 (1).
2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 8608 (8.6 inch axle) (2), or the J 22306 (9.5 inch axle) (2), or the J 44417 (11.5 inch axle) (2) and the J 8092 (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 J24433 (8.6 inch axle), or the J 36614 (9.5 inch axle), or the J44412 (11.5 inch axle).
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 J22388 (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles) or the J 44414 (11.5 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 between 1.0 - 2.8 Nm (10 - 25 inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.) for new bearings.
18. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Nm (10 inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7 Nm (15 inch lbs.) for 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 between 1.0 - 2.8 Nm (10 - 25 inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.) for 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 axle shafts.
22. Install the brake rotors (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
23. Install the brake calipers (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
24. Install the tire and wheel assemblies (8.6 inch 9.5 inch axle).
25. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
26. Lower the vehicle.