Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Manual — part 1464

7. Remove the differential pinion gears and the pinion gear thrust washers by rolling the gears

out through the differential case opening.

8. Remove the differential side gears and the thrust washers.

Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.

Assembly Procedure

Fig. 226: View Of Pinion Shaft Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Install the new retaining onto the pinion shaft.

2. Lubricate the pinion and side gears using axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to

Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

3. Install the differential side gear thrust washers to the differential side gears.

4. Install the differential side gears and thrust washers into the differential case.

If the same differential side gears and the thrust washers are being used, install the gears and
the thrust washers to their original locations.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 227: View Of Differential Side Gears & Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

5. Install the differential pinion gears and the thrust washers by performing the following steps:

1. Install the thrust washers to the pinion gears.

2. Position one of the pinion gears with the thrust washer between the differential side

gears.

If the same differential side gears and the thrust washers are being used, install the
gears and the thrust washers to their original locations.

3. Install the second pinion gear with the thrust washer between the differential side gears

directly opposite of the first gear.

4. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion gears and the thrust washers are

directly opposite the opening in the differential case.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 228: View Of Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

6. Install the pinion shaft into the differential case by performing the following steps:

1. Insert the side of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole into the differential case.

2. Slide the pinion shaft through the differential case until the retaining ring is against the

differential case.

3. Carefully drive the pinion shaft into the differential case using a hammer and a brass

drift.

Ensure that the pinion shaft retaining ring is seated in the channel within the
differential case.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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