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.
Disassembly & Inspection
1987 Pontiac 6000 SafariSECTION Disassembly & Inspection
- Inspect final drive internal gear for damaged teeth, worn bearing surfaces, broken parking pawl spring or damage to parking pawl. Inspect sun gear, thrust bearings, parking gear and governor drive gear for wear or damage.
- Check final drive carrier pinion gears for excessive end play. Use a feeler gauge and measure end play between carrier and pinion gear thrust washer. End play should be .009-.030" (.24-.77 mm).
- Using a pin punch, drive differential pinion shaft retainer pin from carrier. Remove pinion shaft, pinion and side gears, and thrust washers. See Figure. Inspect all parts for damage or abnormal wear. Inspect final drive sun gear shaft for damaged splines or journals.
NOTE:
Square-cut washers are required to hold needle bearing inside gear during differential side gear reassembly. Replace bronze washers with steel washers.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.