Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2010EXPRESS 1500 AWD V8-5.3LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAINDIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLYSERVICE AND REPAIRREMOVAL AND REPLACEMENTREAR DRIVE AXLEPINION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT (9.5LD INCH AXLE)
2010 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD V8-5.3L
Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle)
2010 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD V8-5.3LSECTION Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle)
Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle)
Special Tools
* J 8001 - Dial Indicator Set
* J 21777-85 - Gauge and Plate
* J 21777-86 - Side Bearing Disc
* J 34925 - Pinion Setting Gauge Set
Note: The differential side bearing bores and pinion bearing cups must be clean and free of any debris before proceeding with the pinion bearing adjustment.
1. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations (USA and Canada) (Maintenance).
2. Install the pinion bearings into the rear axle housing.
3. Install the J 21777-8 (1), the J 21777-43 (2), the J 21777-42 (3), and the J 21777-85 (4) in the rear axle housing.
4. Using a inch pound torque wrench and holding the J 21777-43 stationary, slowly tighten the nut of the J 21777-43 until a rotating torque of 1.1-2.2 Nm (10-20 lb in) is obtained.
Note: Rotate the assembly several times in both directions in order to seat the pinion bearings.
5. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the assembly which should be 1.1-2.3 Nm (10-20 lb in)..
6. If the rotating torque of the assembly is less than 1.1Nm (10 lb in), continue to tighten the nut on the J 21777-43 until a rotating torque of 1.1-2.3 Nm(10-20 lb in) is obtained.
Note: 2 of the J 21777-86 will needed to perform the following procedure.
7. Install the J 21777-86 (1), (2) and the J 21777-1 (3) in the rear axle housing.
8. Install the differential bearing caps.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
9. Install the differential bearing cap bolts and tighten to 85 Nm (63 lb ft)..
Note: The J 21777-1 must rotate back and forth freely within the discs. If the J 21777-1 does not rotate freely, disassemble the components, inspect for proper seating and/or mis-aligned components and re-assemble.
10. Rotate the J 21777-1 within the J 21777-86.
11. Align the plunger of the J 21777-1 (1) to the J 21777-85 - gage and plate (2).
12. Loosely clamp the J 8001 - indicator (1) on the stem on the J 21777-1.
13. Place the contact pad of the J 8001 - indicator on the mounting post of the J 21777-1.
14. With the contact pad of the J 8001 - indicator touching the mounting post of the J 21777-1, loosen the lock nut on the J 8001 - indicator and push down on the J 8001 - indicator until the needle the J 8001 - indicator has turned 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
15. Tighten the clamp on the J 8001 - indicator finger tight.
Note: The greatest amount of deflection is the point where the needle changes direction.
16. Move the plunger of the J 21777-1 back and forth until the needle of the J 8001 - indicator indicates the greatest amount of deflection.
17. At the greatest point of deflection, move the housing of the J 8001 - indicator until the needle indicates ZERO.
18. Move the plunger of the J 21777-1 back and forth again to verify the ZERO setting. Adjust the housing of the J 8001 - indicator as necessary to set the needle to ZERO.
19. Rotate the plunger of the J 21777-1 away from the J 21777-85 until it no longer touches the J 21777-85.
20. The value indicated on the J 8001 - indicator is the thickness of the shim needed in order to set the depth of the pinion.
Note: Measure the shim with a micrometer in order to verify that the thickness is correct.
21. Select the shim that indicates the proper thickness.
22. Remove the pinion depth setting tools.
23. Remove the pinion bearings.
24. Install the pinion shim between the pinion gear and the inner pinion bearing. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)).
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.