GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 7818 Rear Pinion Bearing Cup Installer
    • J 8092 Driver Handle
    • J 21777-45 Side Bearing Disc
    • J 39702 Arbor
    • J 39704 Dial Indicator
    • J 39707 Cup Installer
    • J 41690 Bearing Driver
    • J 41691 Adapter Cone
    • J 41692 Threaded Rod
  1. Clean the carrier bores and all tools. Make sure the pinion bore is free of nicks and dirt.

  2. Object Number: 168086  Size: SH

    Important: Make sure the cup is seated.

  3. Drive the inner bearing cup into the axle assembly using the J 39708 andJ 39707

  4. Object Number: 168079  Size: SH
  5. Drive the outer bearing cup into the axle assembly using the J 7818 and J 8092 .
  6. Install the inner bearing cone into the inner bearing cup.

  7. Object Number: 168083  Size: SH

    Notice: You may use the older style gage set if you already have them. The new style gages use the bearings as part of the gage system, while the older style uses a master block that acts as a master bearing.

    Important: Install the outer bearing cone with the J 41691 .

  8. Assemble the J 41690 into the carrier housing using the J 41691 and J 41692 .
  9. Tighten the cone by hand until all end play is removed from the gage assembly.
  10. Assemble the J 39702 into the carrier housing.
  11. Assemble the J 21777-45 into the carrier housing (1).

  12. Object Number: 168399  Size: SH
  13. Place the J 39704 on the upper step of the J 41689.
  14. • Apply pressure to the block of the J 39704 , pushing down on the J 41689.
    • While applying pressure, set the J 39704 at zero.

    Object Number: 168401  Size: SH
  15. Slide the J 39704 over the J 39702 .
  16. Record the reading at the point of greatest deflection, when the needle of the J 39704 is centered between movement to the left and right.
  17. • This reading determines the amount of shims needed for a nominal pinion setting.
    • The pinion marking may change the pinion depth by adding or deleting shims.
    • Refer to the pinion marking table.
  18. After determining the pinion marking, remove the J 39704 ,J 39702 , J 41689, J 41692 , J 41691 , and J 41690 .
  19. Important: If a baffle or oil slinger is used, measure the baffle or oil slinger. Include this measurement in the shim pack.

  20. Measure with a micrometer each shim separately. Add the dimensions in order to obtain the total shim pack thickness.

Pinion Marking Table

Pinion Marking

Distance Between Ring Gear Marking And Pinion Head

Shim Pack

Positive (+)

Must Increase

Decrease

Negative (-)

Must Decrease

Increase

Zero (0)

OK

Use Nominal Setting