Pinion Installation & Preload Adjustment

Install a new collapsible spacer over pinion stem, then position pinion in housing. While holding pinion forward, carefully drive front pinion bearing onto pinion shaft until a few threads are exposed. Install new oil seal, then drive coupling (Chevette) or companion flange (All Others), washer and nut, and tighten until end play is removed. Rotate pinion several times to seat bearings, then check preload using an INCH lb. torque wrench. Continue tightening nut and checking preload until proper preload is obtained (see specifications ).