Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1472

Fig. 250: Differential Pinion Gears
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

3. Assemble the differential pinion gears and the thrust washers to the differential spider as

shown.

If the original differential pinion gears, the thrust washers and the differential spider are
being used, install the components in the original locations.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 251: Aligning Differential Case Arrows
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

4. Assemble the differential case halves.

Align the arrow in the differential case as shown.

5. Install the ring gear to the differential case.

IMPORTANT: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case

must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring
gear.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 252: Ring Gear Bolts (10.5 Inch Axle)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

6. Install the new ring gear bolts.

Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.

7. Tighten the ring gear bolts. Tighten the bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the

ring gear onto the differential case.

Tighten: Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 165 N.m (122 lb ft).

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener Notice .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

8. Install the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:

1. In order to protect the differential case, install the J 8107-3 in the case on the side

opposite the bearing installation. See Special Tools.

2. Install the J 29710 and the J 8092 onto the differential case bearing.

3. Drive the bearing onto the case using the J 29710 and the J 8092 .

BEARINGS INSPECTION

Carefully and thoroughly inspect all drive unit parts before assembly. Thorough inspection of the
drive parts for wear or stress with subsequent replacement of worn parts eliminates costly drive
component repair after assembly.

Lubricate the bearings with axle lubricant. Inspect the bearings for smooth rotation.

Inspect the bearing rollers for wear.

Inspect the bearing cups for wear, cracks, brinelling, and scoring.

DIFFERENTIAL INSPECTION

Check the pinion gear shaft for unusual wear.

Check the pinion and the side gear teeth for wear, cracks, scoring and spalling.

Check the thrust washers for wear.

Check the fit of the side gears in the differential case and on the axle shafts.

Check the differential case for cracks and scoring and replace all of the worn parts as
necessary.

PINION AND RING GEAR INSPECTION

Ring and pinion gears are matched sets. When replacement of one or the other is necessary, both
the ring and pinion gear must be replaced.

Check the pinion and ring gear teeth for cracking, chipping, scoring, or excessive wear.

Check the pinion gear splines for wear.

Check the pinion flange/yoke splines for wear.

Check the fit of the pinion gear splines on the pinion flange/yoke.

IMPORTANT: The differential bearings and the bearing cups are matched

sets. Replace both the bearing and the cup when either part
requires replacement.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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