Rear Axle - Assemble
Rear Axle - Assemble^ Tool Required
- J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
- J 36797 Output Shaft Seal Installer
- J 42155 Differential Lifting Tool
- J 42157 Left Output Shaft Bearing Installer
- J 42164 Pinion Gear Holder
- J 42170 Bearing and Race Installer
- J 42173 Differential Holding Fixture
Important: If the pinion assembly components have not been replaced, reuse the original pinion housing shims. If the pinion assembly components have been replaced, refer to Drive Pinion Shim Selection for selection of the proper size shims.
1. Assemble the drive pinion prior to rear axle assembly.
2. Install the bearing to the cover- left.
3. Install the bearing into the cover - left using the J 42157 and a hydraulic press.
4. Install the oil seal into the cover - left using the J 36797.
5. Install the oil seal into the cover - right using the J 36797.
6. Install the pinion housing assembly (2) and the selected shim or shims (1) to the differential housing. Refer to Drive Pinion Shim Selection for shim selection. The use of M8 x 1.25 dowels or long bolts will ease in pinion housing/cage and shim installation and alignment.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
7. Install the pinion housing/cage bolts (1).
^ Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the C-clip (1) into the groove of the output shaft.
9. Apply threadlocker GM P/N United States 1052942, GM P/N Canada 10953466, or equivalent to the threads of the bolts (2) and stud (1). Apply threadlocker only to the end of the stud that installs into the mount.
10. Install the mount (3) and bolts (2).
^ Tighten the bolts to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
11. Install 2 M10 x 1.5 nuts onto the transmission stud (1). Install the stud into the mount.
^ Tighten the stud to 42 Nm (31 ft. lbs.).
12. Install the O-ring (4) to the groove of the cover-right (3).
13. Install the cover - right and bolts (2).
^ Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the J 8001 onto the transmission stud. Position the tip of the dial indicator against the center of the ring gear tooth surface.
15. Install the J 42164 (1) into the splines of the pinion. J 42164 will retain the pinion in order to properly measure backlash.
16. Move the output shaft - right in both directions in order to measure the gear backlash. Measure the backlash in two to three locations.
Important: Note the location of the cover - rear bolt/stud for assembly.
17. Install the cover - rear (2), bolts (3), bolt/stud (4), and O-ring (1).
^ Tighten the bolts and bolt/stud to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
18. Remove the bolts (3) and the differential assembly (1) from the J42173 (2).
19. Install the O-ring (4) into the groove of the cover -left (3).
20. Install the magnet to the carrier.
21. Install the cover - left (3) and bolts (2).
^ Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
22. Install the vehicle speed sensor and bolt.
^ Tighten the bolt to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
23. Install the drain plug and washer.
^ Tighten the drain plug to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
24. Install the fill plug (3), lubricant tag (2), and washer (1).
25. Install the transmission mount and bolts.
^ Tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).