Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement^ Tools Required
- 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 Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Remove the brake calipers.
4. Remove the brake rotors.
5. Remove the axle shafts.
6. Remove the differential.
7. Remove the drive pinion yoke and the oil seal.
8. Install the J22536as shown. Ensure that the J 22536 is firmly seated on the pylon.
9. Drive the pinion out using the J22536 and a hammer.
Strike the J 22536 slowly. Do not let the pinion fall out of the rear axle housing.
10. Remove the collapsible spacer from the pinion. Discard the spacer.
11. Remove the pinion bearings and the cups.
12. Remove the left-hand threaded ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.
13. Remove the ring gear from the differential. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.
Installation Procedure
Important: 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.
Notice: Refer to Fastener in Service Precautions.
2. Install the new ring gear bolts. Tighten the 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 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the drive pinion bearing cups.
4. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear.
5. Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
6. Install the inner pinion bearing onto the pinion.
7. Install a new collapsible spacer.
8. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant.
9. Install the pinion to the axle housing.
10. Install the outer pinion bearing.
11. Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 33782, 8.0 inch axle, or the J 38694, 8.6 inch axle.
12. Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent) to the splines of the pinion yoke.
13. Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.
14. 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.
15. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
16. Install the J8614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.
Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
17. 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.
18. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
^ The rotating torque of the pinion should be 1.0 - 2.8 Nm (10 - 25 inch lbs.), used bearings or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.), new bearings.
19. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Nm (10 inch lbs.), used bearings, or 1.7 Nm (15 inch lbs.), 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 1.0 - 2.8 Nm (10 - 25 inch lbs.), used bearings or 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.), new bearings.
20. 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.
21. Install the differential.
22. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check on the pinion and the ring gear.
23. Install the axle shafts.
24. Install the brake rotors.
25. Install the brake calipers.
26. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
27. Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
28. Lower the vehicle.