Drive Pinion Yoke Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J8614-01 Companion Flange Holder
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the rear tires and wheels assembly
3. Remove the rear brake drums. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
4. Remove the rear brake rotors, if equipped to Brake Rotor Replacement-Rear in Brakes and Traction Control.
5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Prop Shaft Replacement-Rear or Propeller Shaft Replacement-Front.





6. Measure the amount of torque required in turn the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque Record this measurement for reassembly. will give the combined pinion bearing, the carrier bearing, the axle bearing, and the preload.
7. Draw an alignment mark on the pinion stem pinion flange, and the pinion flange nut. Record the number of exposed threads on the pin for reference.





8. Remove the pinion flange nut and washer. Hold the pinion flange using a J8614-01.





9. Remove the pinion flange using J8614-01. Use a container in order to retrieve the lubricant.

Installation Procedure
1. Apply sealant (GM P/N 12346004) to the inside sealing surface of the pinion yoke.
2. Apply seal lubricant (GM P/N 1050169) to the outside of the pinion flange.

Notice: Do not hammer the pinion flange onto the pinion shaft or component damage will occur.





3. Install the pinion flange.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Install the washer and a new nut.
^ Tighten the nut on the pinion stem as close to the original marks as possible without going piston 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 less than 0.33 Nm (3 inch lbs.), reset the torque specification to 0.33 - 0.56 Nm (3 - 5 inch lbs.).





5. Measure the torque required to rotate the using an inch-pound torque wrench. Compare with the rotating torque recorded earlier. Continue to tighten and measure until you same preload.
6. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Replacement-Rear or Propeller Shaft Replacement-Front.
7. Install the rear brake drums. Refer to Brake Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
8. Install the rear brake rotors, if equipped. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement-Rear in Brakes and Traction Control.
9. Install the rear tires and wheels assembly.
10. Replenish the rear axle with new lubricant. Refer to Lubrication Specifications.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Test drive vehicle and check for leaks.