Pinion Depth Adjustment

Pinion Depth Adjustment

Special Tools

* J 29763 - Static Timing Gauge

* J 33838 - Pinion Setting Gauge

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Front Drive Axle.

Note: Make sure all of the tools, the pinion bearings, and the pinion bearing cups are clean before proceeding.

1. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations Fluids.

2. Install the J 33838-2 (1) and the bolt (2) to the outer pinion bearing.




3. Install the J 33838-2 (1) and the bolt (2) with the outer pinion bearing into the differential carrier assembly case half.




4. Install the inner pinion bearing onto the J 33838 - gauge as shown.




5. Install the J 33838 - gauge (2) with the inner pinion bearing into the differential carrier assembly and the bolt (1).

6. While holding the J 33838 - gauge stationary, install an inch-pound torque wrench on the bolt of the J 33838 - gauge and tighten the bolt.

Tighten the bolt until a rotating torque of 1.7-3.4 Nm (15-30 lb in) for new bearings or 1.0-2.3 Nm (10-20 lb in) for used bearings is obtained.

7. Rotate the assembly several times in both directions in order to seat the pinion bearings.

8. Check the rotating torque of the assembly. If the torque is less than 1.7 Nm (15 lb in) for new bearings or 1.0 Nm (10 lb in) for used bearings, continue to tighten the bolt until a rotating torque of 1.7-3.4 Nm (15-30 lb in) for new bearings or 1.0-2.3 Nm (10-20 lb in) for used bearings is obtained.

9. Place the contact pad of the J 33838 - gauge into the differential side bearing bore.

10. Install the J 29763 - gauge to the J 33838 - gauge by doing the following:

1. Install the collar and the lock nut onto the J 33838 - gauge.
Do not tighten the lock nut at this time.

2. Install the J 29763 - gauge into the collar.

3. Place the stem of the J 29763 - gauge onto the contact surface of the J 33838 - gauge.

4. With the stem of the J 29763 - gauge touching the contact surface of the J 33838 - gauge , push down on the J 29763 - gauge until the needle of the J 29763 - gauge has turned 3/4 of a turn clockwise.

5. Tighten the lock nut of the J 29763 - gauge finger tight.

11. Rotate the J 33838 - gauge back and forth until the needle of the J 29763 - gauge indicates the lowest point in the differential side bearing bore.




12. At the lowest point of deflection, move the housing of the J 29763 - gauge (2) until the needle indicates ZERO.

13. Move the J 33838 - gauge (1) back and forth again to verify the ZERO setting. Adjust the housing of the J 29763 - gauge (2) as necessary to set the needle to ZERO.




14. After the ZERO setting is obtained and verified, grasp the J 33838 - gauge (1) by the flats and move the contact pad of the J 33838 - gauge out of the differential side bearing bore.

15. The value indicated on the J 29763 - gauge (2) is the thickness of the shim needed in order to set the depth of the pinion.

16. Select the shim that indicates the proper thickness. Measure the shim with a micrometer in order to verify that the thickness is correct.

17. Remove the pinion depth setting tools.

18. Remove the pinion bearings from the pinion depth setting tools.

19. Assemble the differential carrier assembly. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Assemble Differential Carrier Assembly Assemble.