Pinion Installation & Preload Adjustment

1. Install selected pinion shim, ensuring that shim is centered in rear bearing bore and that chamfer faces housing.
2. Install rear pinion bearing race using suitable driver to seat race.
3. Lubricate pinion bearings, insert pinion and rear bearing assembly into housing, then install new collapsible spacer and front bearing.
4. Lubricate seal lips of new pinion seal with axle lubricant, then install seal using tool J-22661 or equivalent.
5. Install companion flange and new pinion nut.
6. Hold companion flange with suitable tool and tighten pinion nut just enough to eliminate endplay, rotating pinion as nut is tightened to seat bearings.
7. Measure pinion rotating torque (bearing preload) using suitable torque wrench.
8. Continue tightening pinion nut in small increments until specified bearing preload is obtained, checking preload after each adjustment. Exceeding specified bearing preload will collapse spacer too far to be reused. If preload is exceeded, spacer must be replaced and adjustment procedure must be repeated. Do not loosen pinion nut to reduce preload.