Removal Procedure
Tools Required
J 8614-01 Companion
Flange Holder
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. Reassemble all the components in the exact places in which you removed
the parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and any measurements
made prior to disassembly.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Remove the rear wheels. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the drums, if equipped. Refer to
Brake Shoe Replacement
in Drum Brakes.
- Remove the rear rotors, if equipped. Refer to
Rear Brake Rotor Replacement
in Disc Brakes.
- Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to
Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement
in Propeller Shaft.
- Measure the amount of
torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench.
Record this measurement for reassembly. This will give the combined preload
for the following components:
- Draw two arrows pointing at each other. One on the pinion stem.
The other on the pinion yoke/flange.
- Record the number of exposed threads on the pinion stem for reference.
- Remove the pinion yoke/flange
nut and washer. Hold the pinion yoke/flange using a J 8614-01
.
- Remove the pinion yoke/flange
using J 8614-01
. Use a
container in order to retrieve the lubricant.
Installation Procedure
Tools Required
J 8614-01 Companion
Flange Holder
- Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004) to the inside sealing
surface of the pinion yoke/flange.
- Apply seal lubricant (GM P/N 12377985) to the outside
sealing surface of the pinion yoke/flange and the sealing lip of the pinion
seal.
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.
Important: Install the pinion yoke/flange in the same position as marked during
removal to maintain driveline balance.
- Install the pinion yoke/flange by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer
until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke/flange.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Important: Reference the number of exposed threads on the pinion shaft recorded
during removal.
- Install the washer and a new nut using the J 8614-01
.
Tighten
Tighten the nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the
pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed
and a new collapsible spacer installed.
- Measure the torque required to rotate the pinion, using an inch-pound
torque wrench. Compare this value 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.
- 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.
- Install the propeller shaft. Refer to
Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement
in Propeller Shaft.
- Install the rear rotors, if equipped. Refer to
Rear Brake Rotor Replacement
in Disc Brakes.
- Install the drums, if equipped. Refer to
Brake Shoe Replacement
in Drum Brakes.
- Install the rear wheels. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Replenish the rear axle with new lubricant as needed.
- Lower the vehicle.