GMC 1982 Light Duty Truck Service Manual page 475

P IN IO N A N D CA G E
Reassembly
1. If new cups are to be installed, press firmly against
pinion bearing cage shoulders (Fig. 4 B 5 -16).
2. Lubricate bearings and cups with the recommended
axle lubricant.
3. Press rear thrust and radial bearings firmly against the
pinion shoulders with a suitable sleeve that will bear
only on bearing inner race.
Install radial bearing lock ring and squeeze ring into
4.
pinion shaft groove with pliers.
5. Insert pinion and bearing assembly in pinion cage and
position spacer or spacer combination over pinion shaft.
6. Press front bearing firmly against spacer.
7. R o ta te cage several revolutions to assure normal
bearing contact.
8. While in press under pressure, check bearing preload
torque. W ra p soft wire around cage and pull on
horizontal line with pound scale (Fig. 4B5-17).
U se rotating torque, not starting torque.
If a press is not available, the pinion nut may be
tightened to the correct torque and preload checked.
The correct pressures and torque for checking pinion
bearing preload are shown in specifications.
If rotating torque is not within 5 to 15 pound inches, use
thinner spacer to increase or thicker spacer to decrease
preload.
Example: Assuming pinion cage diameter to be 6 inches,
the radius would be 3 inches and with 5 pounds pull
would equal 15 pound inches preload torque.
9. Press flange or yoke against forward bearing and install
washer and pinion shaft nut.
10. Place pinion and cage assembly over carrier studs, hold
flange and tighten pinion shaft nut to the correct
torque. The flange must be held with a suitable tool or
fixture to tighten nut (Fig. 4B5-18).
11. Recheck pinion bearing preload torque. If rotating
torque is not within 5 to 15 pound inches, repeat the
foregoing procedure.
12. Hold flange and remove pinion shaft nut and flange.
13. Lubricate pinion shaft oil seal and cover outer edge of
seal body with a non-hardening sealing compound.
Press seal against cover shoulder with seal driver (Fig.
4B5-19).
14. Install new gasket and bearing cover.
15. Press flange against forward bearing and install washer
and pinion shaft nut (Fig. 4B5-20).
16. Tighten nut to the correct torque value.
REAR A X LE 4 B 5 -9