Q: What tools are required to replace the drive pinion bearings on 8.6, 9.5, and 11.5 inch axles on 2004 GMC Sierra 1500?
A: To replace the drive pinion bearings on 8.6, 9.5, and 11.5 inch axles, the following tools are required: j 7818 (Inner Bearing Race Installer, 9.5 inch axle), j 8092 (Driver Handle ¾ in - 10), j 8608 (Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer, 8.6 inch, 11.5 inch axle), j 8614-01 (Flange and Pulley Holding Tool), j 22306 (Pinion Cup Bearing Installer - Rear, 9.5 inch axle), j 22388 (Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer, 8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle), j 22912-01 (Split Plate Bearing Puller), j 24433 (Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer, 8.6 inch axle), j 36614 (Inner Pinion Bearing Installer, 9.5 inch axle), j 44412 (Pinion Bearing Installer, 11.5 inch axle), j 44414 (Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer, 11.5 inch axle), j 44417 (Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer, 11.5 inch axle), and j 45871 (Pinion Bearing Remover), along with j 45900 (Pinion Bearing Cup Installer, 8.6 in axle). Start by elevating the vehicle and then extract the Differential parts and drive pinion. The j 45871 should be placed around the Pinion Bearing before installing the j 22912-01 in an inverted position around the j 45871 to remove the bearing from the 8.6 inch axle. To press off the bearing from the 9.5 inch and 11.5 inch axles use the j 22912-01. Use a hammer along with a brass drift to dispense the shim and both the outer and inner Pinion Bearing cups from the axle housing. The installation of the outer Pinion Bearing cup requires the appropriate installer (J 8611-01 for 8.6 inch axle, J 7818 for 9.5 inch axle, or J 8608 for 11.5 inch axle) along with the j 8092. The proper bearing installer for the inner Pinion Bearing cup should be either j 45900 for 8.6 inch axle or j 22306 for 9.5 inch axle and j 44417 for 11.5 inch axle that pairs with j 8092. Install the determined selective shim thickness between the inner Pinion Bearing and the shoulder of the gear. Precondition the inner Pinion Bearing with the corresponding installer (J 24433 for 8.6 inch axle, J 36614 for 9.5 inch axle, or J 44412 for 11.5 inch axle) before pressing it down until the cone contacts the pinion shim. The maintenance process involves using a new collapsible spacer while applying lubrication to pinion bearings before putting the outer Pinion Bearing inside the axle housing. The installation requires a new pinion oil seal which can be installed using j 22388 for 8.6 inch and 9.5 inch axles or j 44414 for 11.5 inch axle before installation into the axle housing. Slightly apply sealant on the yoke splines before installing the yoke onto the pinion shaft. Tighten the pinion yoke with j 8614-01 while applying torque to the new pinion nut until the end play reaches its perfect limit. The torque measurement for the pinion requires a range of 1.0-2.3 nm (10-20 inch lbs.) for used bearings while new bearings need 1.7-3.4 nm (15-30 inch lbs.) and require appropriate adjustments. The specified torque mark signals the perfect time to rotate the pinion several times for bearing settlement before Differential assembly installation with lubrication filling and vehicle lowering.