GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Astro - 2WD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 5590 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Rear
    • J 7817 Bearing Installer
    • J 8092 Driver Handle
    • J 22912-B Split-Plate Bearing Puller
    • J 29609 Rear Pinion Bearing Cup Installer

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake drums.
  4. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  5. Remove the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  6. Remove the drive pinion from the axle. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .

    7. Object Number: 680110 Size: SH
  7. Press the bearing off of the pinion using theJ 22912-B .
  8. Remove the shim.
  9. Remove the drive pinion bearing cups from the axle housing using a hammer and a brass drift in the slots provided. Move the drift back and forth between one side of the cup and the other in order to work the cups out of the housing evenly.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 684196 Size: SH
  1. Install the outer pinion bearing cup using the J 7817 (2) and the J 8092  (1).

    2. Object Number: 651743 Size: SH
  2. Install the inner pinion bearing cup using the J 29609  (2), and the J 8092  (1).
  3. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .

    4. Object Number: 651742 Size: SH
  4. Install the selective shim between the inner pinion bearing and the shoulder on the gear.
  5. Install the inner pinion bearing using the J 5590 .

    6. Press the bearing on until the cone seats on the pinion shim.

  6. Install a new collapsible spacer.
  7. Lubricate the pinion bearing with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  8. Install the pinion into the axle housing.
  9. Install the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.
  10. Install a new pinion oil seal and the pinion yoke. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
  11. Install the differential. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  12. Install the brake drums.
  13. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  14. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  15. Lower the vehicle.