3. Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
Special Tools
* J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
* J 22536 Pinion Driver
* J 33782 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
* J 38694 Extension Housing Oil Pump/Seal Installer
Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Description and Operation).
2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement ().
4. Remove the drive pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (Rear Drive Axle).
5. Install the J 22536 as shown.
Ensure that the J 22536 is firmly seated on the pinion.
6. Drive the pinion out using the J 22536 and a hammer.
Strike the J 22536 slowly. Do not let the pinion fall out of the rear axle housing.
7. Remove the collapsible spacer from the pinion. Discard the spacer.
8. Remove the pinion bearings and the cups. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle)).
9. Remove the left-hand threaded ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.
10. Remove the ring gear from the differential. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.
Installation Procedure
Note: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.
1. Install the ring gear to the differential case.
2. Install the new ring gear bolts.
Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
3. Tighten the new ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 Nm (89 lb ft).
4. Install the drive pinion bearing cups. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle)).
5. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.0 Inch Axle) () Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) ().
6. Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
7. Install the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle)).
8. Install a new collapsible spacer.
9. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations (USA and Canada) (Maintenance).
10. Install the pinion to the axle housing.
11. Install the outer pinion bearing.
12. Using the J 33782 for the 8.0 inch axle or the J 38694 for the 8.6 inch axle, install the new pinion oil seal.
13. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.
14. Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.
15. 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.
16. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
17. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
Note: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
18. Install the pinion yoke. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (Rear Drive Axle).
19. Install the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement ().
20. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check on the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection ().
21. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
22. Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Removal and Replacement) Differential Oil Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Removal and Replacement).
23. Lower the vehicle.