8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles
Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles)Tools Required
^ J7818 Inner Bearing Race Installer, 9.5 inch axle
^ J8092 Driver Handle 3/4 inch - 10
^ J8608 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer, 8.6 inch, 11.5 inch axle
^ J8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
^ J22306 Pinion Cup Bearing Installer - Rear, 9.5 inch axle
^ J22388 Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer, 8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle
^ J22912-01 Split Plate Bearing Puller
^ J24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer, 8.6 inch axle
^ J36614 Inner Pinion Bearing Installer, 9.5 inch axle
^ J44412 Pinion Bearing Installer, 11.5 inch axle
^ J44414 Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer, 11.5 inch axle
^ J44417 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer, 11.5 inch axle
^ J45871 Pinion Bearing Remover
^ J45900 Pinion Bearing Cup Installer, 8.6 in axle
Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the differential assembly.
3. Remove the drive pinion from the axle.
4. For the 8.6 inch axle, install the J45871 (1) around the pinion bearing and the J22912-01 (2) in the inverted position around the J45871.
5. Press the bearing off of the pinion using the J45871 and the J22912-0 1.
6. For the 9.5 inch and 11.5 inch axles, press the bearing off of the pinion using the J22912-01.
7. Remove the shim.
8. Remove the outer pinion bearing cup 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.
9. Remove the inner pinion bearing cup 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 J8611-01, 8.6 inch axle, or the J7818, 9.5 inch axle, or the J8608 (11.5 inch axle) (2) and the J8092 (1).
2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J45900, 8.6 inch axle, or the J22306, 9.5 inch axle, or the J44417, 11.5 inch axle (2) and the J8092 (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 J36614, 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 outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.
9. Install a new pinion oil seal using the J22388, 8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles, or the J44414, 11.5 inch axle.
10. Install the pinion into the axle housing.
11. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) 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 J8614-01.
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.
Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0 - 2.3 Nm (10 - 20 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 - 2.3 Nm (10 - 20 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 assembly.
21. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
22. Lower the vehicle.