Assembly Of The Rear Axle - Chevrolet 1988 Light Duty Truck Repair Manual

PINION AND RING GEAR
I?
Inspect
• Pinion and ring gear teeth for cracking, chipping,
scoring, or excessive wear.
• Pinion splines for wear.
• Pinion flange splines for wear.
• The fit of the pinion on the pinion flange.
• The sealing surface of the pinion flange for nicks,
burrs, or rough tool marks w hich would cause
dam age to the seals' inside diam eter and result in
an oil leak.
• Replace all worn or broken parts.
• Ring and pinion gears are matched sets and are
both replaced any tim e a replacem ent of either is
necessary.
Figure 9— Removing the Pilot Bearing
10 /2-INCH RING GEAR 4B4-5
1
BEARINGS
I?
Inspect
Bearings visually and by feel.
The bearings should feel smooth when oiled and
rotated while applying as much hand pressure as
possible.
The large end of the bearing rollers for wear. This is
where tapered roller bearing wear is most evident.
B e a rin g cu p s fo r wear, cracks, b rin e llin g and
scoring.
Bearings and cups are only replaced as sets.
If the rear axle was operated for an extended period
of time with very loose bearings, the ring gear and
drive pinion will also require replacem ent.
Low mileage bearings may have minute scratches
and pits on the rollers and the bearing cups from the
initial preload. Do not replace a bearing for this
reason.
Bearing caps for cracks or chips.
SHIMS
L
Inspect
9
• Shims for cracks and chips. Damaged shim s should
be replaced with an equally sized service shim.

ASSEMBLY OF THE REAR AXLE

PINION ASSEMBLY
Install or C o n n ect (F ig u re 1)
Tools Required:
J 24433 Rear Pinion Bearing Cone Installer
J 8092 Driver Handle
J 8608 O uter Pinion Bearing Cup Installer
J 8614-01 Pinion Flange Holder
• Lubricate all parts with axle lubricant.
1. Pinion rear bearing (13) onto the pinion.
• Press the b e a rin g onto the p in io n using
J 24433 (figure 10).