Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1435

DRIVE PINION HOUSING AND/OR SEAL REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

J 44414 Pinion Seal Installer. See Special Tools.

J 22912-B Bearing Puller

J 24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer. See Special Tools.

J 37624 Pinion Bearing Installer. See Special Tools.

J 8092 Driver Handle

J 8608 Rear Pinion Bearing Race Installer. See Special Tools.

J 8614-01 Flange/Pulley Holding Tool

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

2. Drain the axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or

Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant
Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle).

3. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.

IMPORTANT: Observe and mark the positions of all the driveline

components, relative to the propeller shaft and the axles,
prior to disassembly. These components include the
propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts,
etc. Reassemble all the components in the exact places in
which you removed the parts. Follow any specifications,
torque values, and any measurements made prior to
disassembly.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 129: Identifying Driveshaft Pinion, Yoke Retainers & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

4. Reference mark the rear propeller shaft (3) to the rear axle pinion yoke (4).

5. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the axle.

Wrap the bearing caps with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.

Support the propeller shaft as necessary.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 130: Measuring Pinion Rotating Torque
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

6. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion and the ring gear. Use an inch-

pound torque wrench. Record this measurement for reassembly. This will give the combined
preload for the following components:

The pinion bearings

The pinion pilot bearing

The pinion oil seal

The differential case bearings

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 131: View Of Pinion Shaft & Pinion Yoke Alignment Marks
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

7. Place an alignment mark between the pinion and the pinion yoke.

8. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.

9. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer and the pinion.

10. Remove the selective shim.

11. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque

wrench. Record this measurement for reassembly.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado