8.6 Inch Axle

Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)

Tools Required
^ J8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 in - 10
^ J8611 -01 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer
^ J8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
^ J22912-01 Split-Plate Bearing Puller
^ J24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer J38694 Extension Housing Oil Pump/Seal Installer
^ J45870 Pinion Bearing Cup Installer

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the differential assembly.
3. Remove the drive pinion from the axle.





4. Press the bearing off of the drive pinion using the J22912-01.
5. Remove the selective pinion shim.





6. Remove the outer pinion bearing cup from the axle housing using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the housing evenly.





7. Remove the inner pinion bearing cup from the axle housing using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the housing evenly.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J8611-01 (1) and the J8092 (2).





2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J45870 (2), and the J8092 (1).
3. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion.
4. Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder on the gear.





5. Install the inner pinion bearing using the J24433.
Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion shim.
6. Install a new collapsible spacer.
7. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
8. Install the outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.





9. Install a new pinion oil seal using the J38694.
10. Install the pinion into the axle housing.
11. Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.





12. Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks made during removal.

Notice: Refer to Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Notice in Service Precautions.

13. Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few threads show through the yoke.
14. Install the washer.

Important: Do not reuse the pinion nut.

15. Install the new pinion nut.





16. Install the J18614-01 onto the pinion yoke as shown.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.

17. Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J8614-01.

Tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.





18. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.

The rotating torque of the pinion should be 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.
19. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Nm (10 inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7 Nm (15 inch lbs.) for new bearings, continue to tighten the pinion nut.

Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion 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.
20. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.

Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.
21. Install the differential assembly.
22. Fill the axle with the proper axle lubricant.
23. Lower the vehicle.