Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)

Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)
^ Tools Required
- J 22761 Differential Side Bearing Installer
- J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
- J 37624 Pi non Bearing Installer
- J 24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer
- J 22912-01 Split Plate Bearing Puller
- J 44414 Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer
- J 8608 Rear Pinion Bearing Installer
- J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 in - 10

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the differential assembly.
3. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer.
4. Remove the pinion yoke and the oil seal.
5. Remove the outer pinion bearing.





6. Remove the pinion.





7. Remove the collapsible spacer.





8. Remove the inner pinion bearing from the pinion using the J 22912-01 and a hydraulic press.





9. Remove the outer pinion bearing cup 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 retainer evenly.





10. Remove the inner pinion bearing cup 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 retainer evenly.





11. Remove the pinion gear pilot bearing using a brass drift and a hammer.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the pinion gear pilot bearing using the J 22761.





2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 37624 (2) and the J 8092 (1).





3. Install the outer pinion bearing cup into the pinion gear bearing retainer using the J 8608 (2) and the J 8092 (1).





4. Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 24433. Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion.
5. Install a new collapsible spacer.
6. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
7. Install the outer pinion bearing into the pinion bearing retainer.
8. Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 44414.





9. Install the pinion into the pinion gear bearing retainer.
10. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.





11. Install the pinion yoke. Align the marks made during removal.

12. Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few threads show through the yoke.

Notice: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Notice in Service Precautions.

13. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.





14. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke.

15. 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.

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. Remove the J 8614-01.

17. Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available, install a 0.41 mm (0.016 inch) shim to build pinion depth.

Important: Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at this time.

18. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing.
19. Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.
^ Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 Nm (65 lb ft).





20. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0 - 2.3 Nm (10 - 20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 lb in) for new bearings.
21. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Nm (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 Nm (15 lb in) for new bearings, install the J 8614-01 and 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 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 lb in) for new bearings.
22. 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.
23. Install the differential assembly
24. Adjust the differential side bearing preload.
25. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion.
26. Adjust the backlash.
27. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
28. Lower the vehicle.