Drive Pinion Assemble

Drive Pinion Assemble
^ Tools Required
- J 5590 Rear Pinion Bearing Cone Installer
- J 7817 Front Pinion Bearing Cup Installer
- J 8092 Driver Handle
- J 23911 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
- J 29609 Rear Pinion Bearing Cup Installer
- J 33782 Pinion Oil Seal Installer





1. Install the pinion gear shaft into a suitable press.
2. Using the J. 5590, press the inner drive pinion gear bearing (1) onto the drive pinion gear (2).





3. If replacing the inner pinion gear bearing, drive the inner bearing race into the axle housing using the J 3092 and the J 29609.
4. Install the new drive pinion gear bearing spacer onto the drive pinion gear.





5. If replacing the outer pinion gear bearing, drive the outer bearing race into the axle housing using the J 8092 and the J 7817.
6. Install the drive pinion gear outer bearing into the rear axle housing.
7. If a new ring gear and a new drive pinion gear will be installed, measure the differential drive pinion gear depth. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment.
8. Install the drive pinion gear into the rear axle housing.





9. On early model year vehicle, install the new drive pinion gear oil seal using the J23911.
On late model year vehicles, install the new drive pinion gear oil seal using the J 33782.
10. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, onto the pinion shaft splines.
11. Install the drive pinion gear yoke.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

12. Perform the following in order to tighten the drive pinion gear nut.
^ Rotate the drive pinion gear in order to seat the inner and outer drive pinion gear bearings.
^ While rotating the drive pinion gear, tighten the drive pinion gear nut until the end play is removed.
13. Preload specifications are being approached when there is no further drive pinion gear end play.





Important: Do not exceed the preload torque specifications. If the preload torque specification is exceeded, the collapsible pinion gear spacer must be replaced.

14. Set the preload to the following specifications on the inner and outer drive pinion gear bearings:
^ Tighten the pinion flange nut to 1.7 - 3.4 Nm (15 - 30 inch lbs.) on new drive pinion gear bearings.
^ Tighten the pinion flange nut to 1.0 - 1.7 Nm (10 - 15 inch lbs.) on used drive pinion gear bearings.
15. Rotate the drive pinion gear several times.
Ensure that the inner and outer drive pinion gear bearings seat.
16. Measure the pinion gear bearing preload again.
17. Reset the preload to specifications if the preload decreased by rotating the drive pinion gear.
18. Install the differential carrier.