Chevrolet 1973 Overhaul Manual page 88

DRIVE PINIO N
Removal and Disassembly
1. Remove differential as previously outlined.
2. Check pinion bearing preload as described under
"Drive Pinion - Installation and Adjustment." If
there is no preload reading, check for looseness of
pinion assembly by shaking the companion flange.
Looseness indicates the need for bearing
replacement.
3. Install Holder J-8614-11 on flange by using two
bolts with flat washers, as shown in figure 5F.
Position J-8614-11 on flange so that the four
notches are toward the flange.
4. Remove pinion nut and washer. Discard pinion nut
and use a new one upon reassembly.
5. Thread end of J-8614-3 into small O.D. end of
J-8614-2. Then with J-8614-11 installed as in step 3,
insert J-8614-2 into J-8614-11 and turn it 1/8 of a
turn to locked position. Remove flange by turning
J-8614-3 while holding J-8614-11 as shown in figure
6F.
6. Remove drive pinion from carrier. It may be
necessary to tap on the pinion with a soft faced
hammer.
7. With a long drift, tap on inner race of outer pinion
bearing to remove pinion oil seal, slinger, gasket,
outer pinion cone and roller and shim pack. Tag
shim pack for reassembly.
8. Should inspection indicate necessity, pinion bearing
cups can be removed from carrier using a long drift
and hammer. Remove shims and oil slinger which
are located behind the inner bearing cup. Tag
shims for reassembly.
9. Remove rear pinion bearing using J-22912, and an
arbor press.
Fig. 5F—Removing Pinion N ut
REAR AXLE D IFFERENTIAL CARRIER
Fig. 6F—Removing Com panion Flange
Inspection
1. Clean all gears and bearings in cleaning solvent
and inspect all bearing cups, races and rollers for
scoring, chipping or evidence of excessive wear. On
pinion bearing rollers, inspect large end of rollers
for wear. This is where wear is most evident on
tapered roller bearings.
2. Inspect pinion splines and flange splines for
evidence of excessive wear.
3. Inspect ring gear and pinion teeth for possible
scoring, cracking or chipping.
4. Inspect differential case for cracks or scores or side
gears, thrust washers, and pinion thrust faces.
5. Check fit of differential side gears in case.
6. Check fit of side gears and axle shaft splines.
7. Inspect differential pinion shaft and spacer for
scoring or evidence of excessive wear.
DIFFERENTIAL CASE
Reassembly
1. Assemble new washers to side gears. Apply a small
amount of hypoid lubricant on the side gear hubs.
2. Assemble pinion gears and new washers onto cross
shaft.
3. Place side gears, pinion gears, cross shaft and
washers into flanged half of case.
4. Assemble top half of case to bottom half, making
sure scribe marks are aligned.
5. Assemble body bolts finger tight. Then tighten bolts
alternately to specifications.
6. Install ring gear to differential case.
7. Install ring gear-to-case bolts finger tight, then
tighten alternately to specifications.
8. Place side bearing into position and install, using
4 -5 7
OVERHAUL MANUAL