Drive Pinion & Bearing Retainer

Fig. 7 Installing Pinion And Retainer Assembly:

Fig. 8 Installing Companion Flange:

Fig. 9 Checking Pinion Bearing Preload:

A new ring gear and drive pinion should always be installed as a matched set. Ensure that identifying numbers on ring gear and head of drive pinion are identical.
1. Using suitable tool, install pinion rear bearing cone on pinion shaft, then position new spacer on pinion shaft.
2. Place bearing retainer on drive pinion shaft and install front bearing cone and roller, then, using tool T57L-4621-B or equivalent, press bearing cone and roller into position, being careful not to crush collapsible spacer.
3. Lubricate O-ring with suitable lubricant, install into groove in pinion retainer, and snap into place. Then lubricate front and rear pinion bearings.
4. Position selected shim on carrier housing and install pinion and retainer assembly, being careful not to pinch O-ring, Fig. 7.
5. Install pinion retainer attaching bolts, torquing to 30---40 ft. lbs., then install oil slinger, if equipped.
6. Using suitable tool, install new pinion oil seal in bearing retainer.
7. Install companion flange, Fig. 8.
8. Apply small amount of suitable lubricant to flange side of new pinion nut and start nut on drive pinion shaft.
9. Hold flange with suitable tool and tighten flange nut.
10. Check pinion bearing preload, Fig. 9. Correct preload is obtained when torque required to rotate pinion in retainer is 8---14 inch lbs. for original bearing or 16---29 inch lbs. for new bearing. If torque required to rotate pinion is less than specified, tighten pinion shaft nut a little at a time until proper preload is obtained. Do not over tighten nut. If excessive preload is obtained as a result of over tightening, replace collapsible bearing spacer. Do not back off pinion shaft nut to establish pinion bearing preload.