Tools Required

J 8614-01 Companion Flange Holder

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the rear tire and wheel asemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
4. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.



5. Measure the amount of torque required in order 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:

•	The pinion bearings

•	The pinion seal

•	The carrier bearings

•	The axle bearings

•	The axle seals

6. Draw an alignment mark on the pinion stem, the pinion flange, and the pinion flange nut. Record the number of exposed threads on the pinion stem for reference.



7. Remove the pinion yoke/flange nut and washer. Hold the pinion yoke/flange using a J 8614-01 .



8. Remove the pinion yoke/flange using the J 8614-01 . Use a container in order to retrieve the lubricant.

Tools Required

J 8614-01 Companion Flange Holder

1. Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004) to the inside sealing surface of the pinion yoke/flange.
2. 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.

3. Install the pinion 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.

4. Install the washer and a new nut using the J 8614-01 .

Tighten
Tighten the nut on the pinion stem as close as possible to the original marks without turning past the mark. Use the reference mark and the thread count as a reference. Tighten the nut a little at a time and turn the pinion flange several times after each tightening in order to set the rollers.





Important: If the original preload torque value was less than 0.33 N·m (3 lb in), reset the torque specification to 0.33-0.56 N·m (3-5 lb in).

5. Measure the torque required in order to rotate the pinion, using an inch-pound torque wrench. Compare this value with the rotating torque recorded during removal. Continue to tighten and measure until you acquire the same preload.
6. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
7. Install the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
8. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
9. Replenish the rear axle with new lubricant as needed.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Test drive the vehicle and inspect for leaks.