GM 454021
Pinion Bearings

Article j 22761 and j 8614-01 will be necessary to perform drive Pinion Bearing replacements on a 10.5-inch axle. The tool list expands to article j 37624 and j 24433, j 22912-b, j 44414, j 8608, and j 8092. Start by elevating the vehicle then proceed to take out the Differential assembly followed by the pinion gear bearing retainer and then the pinion yoke and oil seal. Remove the outer and inner pinion bearings together with the collapsible spacer and pinion gear pilot bearing. The Differential side bearing installer (J 22761) must be used to install the pinion gear pilot bearing while the Pinion Bearing installer (J 37624) and universal driver handle - 3/4 in - 10 (J 8092) are needed for the inner Pinion Bearing cup then the rear Pinion Bearing installer (J 8608) with universal driver handle - 3/4 in - 10 (J 8092) for the outer Pinion Bearing cup installation. The installation process starts with using a pinion cone and side bearing installer (J 24433) to add the inner Pinion Bearing. Afterward, install a new collapsible spacer and apply lubrication to the pinion bearings. The system requires the following procedure: install an outer Pinion Bearing and then a new pinion oil seal while using the rear axle pinion oil seal installer (J 44414) and then place the pinion within the bearing retainer. Use sealant gm p/n 12346004 or canadian p/n 10953480 on the pinion yoke splines then install the yoke and tighten the pinion nut while keeping the flange and pulley holding tool (J 8614-01) until the pinion end play reaches its limit. Install the original shim or substitute with a 0.41 mm shim if unavailable on the flange and pulley holding tool (J 8614-01). Secure the pinion gear bearing retainer in place to the axle housing with bolts fastened to 88 nm (65 ft. Lbs.). Verify that the pinion rotating torque meets the specified values by adjusting as required. After rebuilding the Differential assembly drivers must adjust the Differential side bearing preload followed by selecting appropriate drive pinion shims and adjusting backlash before filling with lubricant and lowering the vehicle.

Continue tightening the pinion nut in small increments until the specified torque is achieved, then rotate the pinion several times to ensure proper seating of the bearings.

Begin by raising the vehicle and removing the differential assembly.

The required tools are J7818, J8092, J8611-01, J8614-01, J22306, J22912-01, J24433, J36614, J45870, and J45871.

Place the oil deflector into the inner pinion cup bore, then install the inner pinion bearing cup with the J 45704 and J 8092, followed by the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 7818 and J 8092.

Install a new pinion oil seal with the Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer (J 44414).

Begin by raising the vehicle and removing the differential assembly, followed by the pinion gear bearing retainer, pinion yoke, and oil seal.

Determine the shim thickness and preload for the differential assembly. Protect the differential case by installing the J8107-3 on the side opposite the bearing installation, then install the inboard shims and the differential side bearing.

Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer, pinion yoke, and oil seal, followed by the outer and inner pinion bearings, collapsible spacer, and pinion gear pilot bearing.

Reinstall the differential assembly, adjust the differential side bearing preload, determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion, adjust the backlash, fill the axle with lubricant, and lower the vehicle.

Begin by raising the vehicle and removing the differential assembly and drive pinion from the axle.

Use the J 22761 to install the pinion gear pilot bearing.

For the 10.5 inch axle, place a block of wood on each side of the differential case before securing it in the vise.

Determine the thickness of the pinion position shim and pinion preload shim for the drive pinion.

The required tools are: J 22536 Pinion Driver, J 22912-01 Split-Plate Bearing Puller, J 42176 Universal Driver Handle - Non-Threaded, J 45703 Pinion Bearing Race Remover - Dana 248, J 45704 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Dana 248, J 45705 Pinion Bearing Race Remover - Dana 248/267, J 7818 Inner Bearing Race Installer, and J 8092 Universal Drive Handle - ¾ in - 10.

After removing the Flange and Pulley Holding Tool (J 8614-01), install the original shim or a 0.41 mm (0.016 inch) shim if the original is unavailable, then attach the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing and tighten the retainer bolts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.).

The required tools are: J 22536 Pinion Driver, J 22912-01 Split-Plate Bearing Puller, J 42176 Universal Driver Handle - Non-Threaded, J 45703 Pinion Bearing Race Remover - Dana 248, J 45704 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Dana 248, J 45705 Pinion Bearing Race Remover - Dana 248/267, J 7818 Inner Bearing Race Installer, and J 8092 Universal Drive Handle - ¾ in - 10.

Measure the rotating torque of the pinion, ensuring it is between 1.0-2.3 Nm (10-20 inch lbs.) for used bearings or 1.7-3.4 Nm (15-30 inch lbs.) for new bearings.

Use the J 22388.

Continue to tighten the pinion nut in small increments until the correct torque is achieved.

Reinstall the differential assembly, fill the axle with the proper lubricant, and lower the vehicle.