OEM 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Differential Seal

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the Differential Seal in the drive pinion housing on 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

  A: The correct procedure to replace drive pinion housing or seal starts with observing component positions relative to propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. Reassembly needs to be done according to marked locations using specified torque values. Complete the first step by lifting the vehicle before draining the axle lubricating fluid. You should remove the axle shafts while also making reference marks between the rear propeller shaft and rear axle pinion yoke. The propeller shaft requires disconnecting from the axle while supporting the shaft adequately and using tape to secure bearing caps to avoid their roller loss. An inch-pound torque wrench should be used to measure and record the necessary torque required for pinion and ring gear rotation. Apply an alignment mark on the pinion and pinion yoke before using a wrench to remove both pinion gear bearing retainer bolts. Afterward, detach the retainer and pinion assembly. After removing the selective shim assess the torque needed to rotate the pinion through measurement. Apply the flange/pulley holding tool (J 8614-01) for removing the pinion nut while maintaining grip on it. You should install the j 8614-2 and j 8614-3 into the j 8614-01 after removing the washer before you remove the pinion yoke. A proper pinion oil seal removal tool helps you remove the pinion oil seal before you extract the outer Pinion Bearing and pinion along with the collapsible spacer. Employ the bearing puller (J 22912-B) with a hydraulic press and couple it with a hammer and brass drift to remove the inner Pinion Bearing and both outer and inner Pinion Bearing cups. The Pinion Bearing retainer requires the Pinion Bearing installer (J 37624) and driver handle (J 8092) for inserting the inner Pinion Bearing cup while following a similar procedure for installing the outer Pinion Bearing cup. You must install the inner Pinion Bearing by using the pinion cone and side bearing installer (J 24433) which will let the cone seat on the pinion before adding the new collapsible spacer. Install the axle-specific lubricant onto the pinion bearings then place the retainer with pinion and match it with the outer Pinion Bearing which will join the pinion. To complete the procedure install a new pinion oil seal through the pinion seal installer (J 44414). Additionally apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent) to the pinion yoke splines before installing the yoke properly aligned. Thread the pinion yoke to the pinion shaft with care and follow by adding a pinion washer and fresh pinion nut. Apply torque to the pinion nut while using the flange/pulley holding tool (J 8614-01) until the pinion end play reaches its limit with small pinion rotations to properly seat the bearings. Tighten the pinion nut while maintaining contact with the flange/pulley holding tool (J 8614-01). Gradually adjust the nut until it shows a torque reading which exceeds the original removal torque by 0.40-0.57 n.m (3-5 lb in). Seated bearings should be verified before selecting the pinion gear bearing retainer shim. Afterward apply gm p/n 1052942 or equivalent sealant onto the sealing surface. Place the shim while aligning the tab with the unmachined surface and apply the sealant to the shim face. Sealant should be applied on shim surfaces before fitting the pinion gear bearing retainer together with applying 88 n.m (65 lb ft) torque to retainer bolts. Measure the operating torque of the pinion along with the ring gear while keeping it at a range between 0.57 n.m to 1.13 n.m (5-10 lb in), perform adjustments when needed. Reinstall the propeller shaft while maintaining reference mark alignment and fasten it through yoke retaining clamps which need 25 n.m (18 lb ft) torque bolt tightening. The final steps include installing axle shafts before filling the axle with lubricating substance and lowering the vehicle.