Q: What tools are required to replace the drive pinion bearings on 8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 inch axles on GMC Sierra 3500 Classic?
A: To replace the drive pinion bearings on 8.6, 9.5/9.5ld, and 11.5 inch axles, the following tools are required: j 7818 (Inner Bearing Race Installer, 9.5/9.5LD inch axle), j 8092 (Driver Handle 3/4 in - 10), j 8608 (Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer, 8.6 inch, 11.5 inch axle), j 8611-01 (Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer), j 8614-01 (Flange and Pulley Holding Tool), j 22306 (Pinion Cup Bearing Installer - Rear, 9.5/9.5LD inch axle), j 22388 (Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer, 8.6 inch, 9.5/9.5LD inch axle), j 22912-b (Split Plate Bearing Puller), j 24433 (Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer, 8.6 inch axle), j 36614 (Inner Pinion Bearing Installer, 9.5/9.5LD inch axle), j 44412 (Pinion Bearing Installer, 11.5 inch axle), j 44414 (Rear Axle Pinion Oil Seal Installer, 11.5 inch axle), and j 44417 (Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer, 11.5 inch axle), j 45871 (Pinion Bearing Remover), and j 45870 (Pinion Bearing Cup Installer, 8.6 inch axle). Start by lifting the vehicle followed by differentiating the Differential assembly and drive pinion from the axle. The j 45871 must be placed around the Pinion Bearing and the j 22912-b with the open side up should wrap around the j 45871 for pressing off the bearing on an 8.6 inch axle. To press the bearing off from 9.5/9.5ld inch and 11.5 inch axles operators need to utilize the j 22912-b. A hammer and brass drift can be used to remove the shim and the outer and inner Pinion Bearing cups from the axle housing. Install the outer Pinion Bearing cup through the j 8611-01, j 7818, or j 8608 with j 8092. Insert the inner Pinion Bearing cup using an appropriate installer tool between j 45870, j 22306, or j 44417 along with the j 8092. Determine the appropriate pinion shim thickness then place it in between the Pinion Bearing inside and the gear shoulder. Make use of the specific installer j 22306 or j 36614 or j 44412 to press-fit the inner Pinion Bearing until it rests securely on the pinion shim. The axle installation requires new collapsible spacers then pinion bearings need lubrication with axle lubricant. Insert the outer Pinion Bearing into the axle housing alongside a new pinion oil seal by utilizing the correct installer tools j 22388 or j 44414. Position the pinion into the housing before sealing the pinion yoke splines with adhesive and installing the yoke while matching the reference marks from initial removal procedure. Utilize a soft-faced hammer to tap the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft until proper installation. Then add the washer and new pinion nut. Apply the j 8614-01 tool to stabilize the pinion yoke while using it to tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play shows complete engagement. An inch-pound torque wrench should be used to measure pinion rotating torque which must stay within the specified torque ranges for used or new bearings. When the proper torque is not reached the pinion nut should be tightened in tiny increments. After hitting the specified torque mark with the pinion multiple rotations allow the bearings to seat properly for an inspection check and possible adjustments. The Differential assembly should be reinstalled followed by lubricant oil fill before finally lowering the vehicle.