Tools Required

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the engine protection shield (EPS). Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
3. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
4. Remove the brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .
5. Measure the torque required in order to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record the torque value for reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:

•	The pinion bearings

•	The pinion seal

•	The carrier bearings

•	The axle bearings

•	The axle seals




6. Scribe an alignment line between the pinion shaft and the pinion yoke.



7. Install the J 8614-01  (1) onto the pinion as shown.
8. Remove the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01  (1) .
9. Install the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (3) into the J 8614-01  (1) as shown.
10. Remove the pinon yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (3) clockwise while holding the J 8614-01  (1).

Important: Carefully remove the seal from the bore. Do not distort or scratch the aluminum case.

11. Remove the oil seal using a suitable seal removal tool.



12. Remove the dust deflector from the pinion yoke using a soft-faced hammer.

1. Install the new deflector onto the pinion yoke using a soft-faced hammer.




Important: Drive the seal in straight, not at an angle, as this will damage the aluminum housing.

2. Install the new oil seal by doing the following:

2.1.	Position the oil seal in the bore.

2.2.	Install the J 21128 over the oil seal.

2.3.	Strike the J 21128 with a hammer until the seal flange seats on the axle housing surface.

3. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the splines of the drive pinion yoke.
4. Install the pinion yoke.

Align the reference marks made during removal.

Notice: Do not hammer the pinion flange/yoke onto the pinion shaft. Pinion components may be damaged if the pinion flange/yoke is hammered onto the pinion shaft.

5. Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
6. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.



7. Install the J 8614-01  (1) onto the pinion yoke as shown.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

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

8. Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01  (1).

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

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

Compare the measurement of the rotating torque to the measurement recorded earlier.

Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion nut should be 0.40-0.57 N·m (3-5 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.

10. If the rotating torque is not within specifications, continue to tighten the pinion nut.

Tighten
Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 0.40-0.57 N·m (3-5 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.

11. 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.
12. Install the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
13. Install the EPS. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
14. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .
15. Inspect the axle lubricant level, and add, if necessary. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
16. Lower the vehicle.