Pinion Flange: Service and Repair

Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement

Special Tools
* J 34826 Hub Nut Socket (36 mm)
* J 42851 Front Cover Oil Seal Installer
* J 45012 Holding Fixture
* J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the floor panel tunnel rear panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Replacement - Rear (Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Replacement - Rear).

Note: Remove only the propeller shaft coupler to differential flange bolts. DO NOT remove the coupler from the propeller shaft.

3. Remove the propeller shaft from the rear differential. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Automatic) (Propeller Shaft Replacement (Automatic))Propeller Shaft Replacement (RPO ZOK) (Propeller Shaft Replacement (RPO ZOK))Propeller Shaft Replacement (w/o RPO ZOK) (Propeller Shaft Replacement (w/o RPO ZOK)).




4. Install the J 45012 to the flange.
5. While holding the J 45012 , remove the drive pinion nut using the J 34826 .
6. Remove the J 45012 from the flange.




7. Install the J 45019 to the flange.
8. Using the J 45019 , remove the flange.
9. Using a flat-bladed tool, remove the drive pinion seal. care not to damage any of the sealing surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Note: Ensure that the pinion bore is free of dirt and debris.

1. Apply a small amount of synthetic gear oil GM P/N 121378514 (Canadian P/N 88901045) or equivalent to the surface of the drive pinion flange and the drive pinion seal.




2. Install the drive pinion seal to the J 42851 .
3. Using the J 42851 (1) , install the drive pinion seal (2) in the differential (3).
4. Remove the J 45019 (1).




5. Install the J 45012 .
6. Install the pinion flange to the drive pinion shaft.

Note: The pinion shaft threads and pinion flange nut must be free of residue and debris prior to application of the threadlocker.

7. Clean all the residue from the pinion shaft threads and the pinion flange nut by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.

Note: Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the pinion shaft threads.

8. Apply the threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to 2/3 of the threads length of the pinion shaft threads.
9. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

10. Install the drive pinion flange nut to the pinion shaft. While holding the J 45012 , use the J 34826 to tighten the drive pinion nut.

Tighten the pinion flange nut to 245 Nm (181 lb ft).

11. Remove the J 45012 .
12. Install the propeller shaft in the vehicle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Automatic) (Propeller Shaft Replacement (Automatic))Propeller Shaft Replacement (RPO ZOK) (Propeller Shaft Replacement (RPO ZOK))Propeller Shaft Replacement (w/o RPO ZOK) (Propeller Shaft Replacement (w/o RPO ZOK)).
13. Install the floor panel tunnel rear panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Replacement - Rear (Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Replacement - Rear).
14. Inspect the fluid level Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (Procedures).
15. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.