Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1449

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.

17. Remove the J 8614-01 .

18. Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available,

install a 0.41 mm (0.016 in) shim to build pinion depth.

19. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing.

20. Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.

Tighten: Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).

Fig. 178: Measuring Pinion Rotating Torque
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

21. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the pinion.

IMPORTANT: Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at

this time.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Specification: The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb
in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.

22. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N.m (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 N.m

(15 lb in) for new bearings, install the J 8614-01 and 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 between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4
N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.

23. 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.

24. Install the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch

Axles) or Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle).

25. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing

Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Differential Carrier Bearing
Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload
Adjustment (9.5, and 9.5LD Inch Axles).

26. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth

Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5
Inch Axles).

27. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Backlash

Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle).

28. Fill the axle with 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).

29. Lower the vehicle.

DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD INCH AXLES)

Tools Required

J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Spanner. See Special Tools.

Removal Procedure

IMPORTANT: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

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

2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum

Brake w/VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes w/o
VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles w/VSES).

Fig. 179: Differential Bearing Adjuster Nut Lock
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

3. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock (9.5/9.5LD inch axle - right side).

remove or replace the ring and pinion gear set, perform the
bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check
in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you reinstall or
replace the differential carrier without replacing any other
component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you
may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original
locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check,
even when you remove only the carrier.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 180: Removing/Installing Bearing Cap Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

4. Remove the bearing cap bolts.

5. Remove the bearing caps. Mark the bearing caps left and right.

CAUTION: Refer to Differential Case Removal Caution .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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