2001 M/L Vans - Removal/Install Procedures
Tools Required^ J 8614-01 Pinion Flange Holder
^ J 23911 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
^ J 33782 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
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. Assemble all the components in the exact places in which you removed the parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and measurements made prior to disassembly.
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information (SI2000 Document ID # 710253).
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels (SI2000 Document ID # 539493).
3. Remove the brake drums.
4. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Rear in Propeller Shaft (SI2000 Document ID # 376875).
5. Determine the type of pinion oil seal that is used on the axle.
On early production axles, a 2 lip pinion seal was used. The seal can be identified by the short deflector (1) used on the pinion yoke/flange.
On late production axles, a 3 lip pinion seal was used. The seal can be identified by the long deflector (2) used on the pinion yoke/flange.
6. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. This will give the combined preload for the following components:
^ The pinion bearings
^ The pinion seal
^ The carrier bearings
^ The axle bearings
^ The axle seals
7. Record the measurement.
8. Draw an alignment mark between the pinion stem and the pinion flange/yoke.
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 J 8614-01(1).
Use a container in order to retrieve the lubricant.
Important:
Do not damage the axle housing sealing surface.
14. Remove the pinion oil seal using a suitable seal removal tool.
Installation Procedure
Important:
When replacing the pinion oil seal and/or the pinion flange/yoke, observe the following guidelines:
^ When replacing only the pinion oil seal, the same style pinion oil seal must be used as the one that was removed.
^ It replacing both the pinion oil seal and the pinion flange/yoke, the same style of pinion oil seal and the pinion flange/yoke must be used.
^ The 2 lip and the 3 lip style pinion oil seals and pinion flange/yokes are not interchangeable.
1. Install the new pinion gear oil seal. For the 2 lip style pinion oil seal, use the J 23911. For the 3 lip style pinion oil seal, use the J 33782.
2. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the spines of the pinion flange/yoke.
Important:
Install the pinion gear flange/yoke to the pinion gear shaft in the same position as marked during removal in order to maintain correct driveline balance.
3. Install the pinion flange/yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.
Notice:
Do not hammer the pinion flange/yoke onto the pinion shaft. Pinion components may be damaged if the pinion flange/yoke is hammered onto the pinion shaft.
4. Seat the pinion flange/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 flange/yoke as shown.
Notice:
Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
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
Tighten the nut until the pinion end play is removed.
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
Tighten the nut in small increments, as needed, until the rotating torque is 0.40-0.57 N.m (3-5 lb in) 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. Check the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.
10. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Rear in Propeller Shaft (SI2000 Document ID # 376875).
11. Install the brake drums.
12. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels (SI2000 Document ID # 539493).
13. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Lubricant Level Check in Rear Drive Axle (SI2000 Document ID # 711724).
14. Lower the vehicle.