Inner Axle Shaft Shim Adjustment: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
- J 34672 Depth Micrometer. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- J 8001 Dial Indicator Set. See Special Tools and Equipment .
The front drive axle clutch gear shim needs to be measured and adjusted if any of the following parts are replaced:
- The inner axle shaft
- The inner axle shaft housing
- The output shaft
- The differential carrier case
- The ring and pinion gears
- The differential case assembly
- The differential bearings
- The carrier connector
Front drive axle clutch shims are available in the following sizes:
Inner Axle Shaft Shim Adjustment
| 8.25 Inch Axle | 9.25 Inch Axle |
|---|---|
| 1.27 mm (0.05 in) | 1.30 mm (0.05 in) |
| 1.52 mm (0.06 in) | 1.52 mm (0.06 in) |
| 1.78 mm (0.07 in) | 1.80 mm (0.07 in) |
| 2.03 mm (0.08 in) | 2.03 mm (0.08 in) |
| 2.29 mm (0.09 in) | 2.30 mm (0.09 in) |
| 2.54 mm (0.10 in) | 2.54 mm (0.10 in) |
| 2.70 mm (0.11 in) | 2.80 mm (0.11 in) |
| 3.05 mm (0.12 in) | 3.05 mm (0.12 in) |
| 3.30 mm (0.13 in) | 3.30 mm (0.13 in) |
| 3.56 mm (0.14 in) | 3.55 mm (0.14 in) |
| 3.81 mm (0.15 in) | 3.80 mm (0.15 in) |
| - | 4.05 mm (0.16 in) |
| - | 4.30 mm (0.17 in) |
| - | 4.55 mm (0.18 in) |
| - | 4.80 mm (0.19 in) |
- Install the inner axle bearing and the inner axle seal, if necessary. Refer to Inner Axle Seal and/or Bearing Replacement - Front Drive Axle .
- Install the following components into the inner axle shaft housing, 8.25 inch axle:
- Install the inner axle shaft (1) into the front drive axle housing (4).
- Install the thrust washer (5).
- Install the retaining ring (7) into the front drive axle clutch gear (6).
- Install the front drive axle clutch gear (6) onto the inner axle shaft (1).
Drive the front drive axle clutch gear (6) into place with a plastic hammer.
- Install the following components into the inner axle shaft housing, 9.25 inch axle:
- Install the inner axle shaft (1) into the front drive axle housing (4).
- Install the thrust washers (5, 6).
- Install the retaining ring (7) into the inner axle shaft (1).
- Push on the inner end of the inner axle shaft and move the shaft outboard as far as it will go.
- Using the J 34672 , measure the distance from the edge of the front drive axle clutch gear to the machined flange surface of the inner axle housing.
- Using the J 34672 , measure the distance from the machined surface of the differential carrier housing to the outer surface of the front drive axle clutch shaft.
- Subtract the measurement obtained in step 6 from the measurement obtained in step 7.
- The correct shim size will be one size smaller than the figure obtained in the previous step.
Note the following examples:
- If the figure obtained in step 8 was 3.53 mm (0.139 in), use a 3.30 mm (0.130 in) shim.
- If the figure obtained in step 8 was 3.30 mm (0.130 in), use a 3.05 mm (0.120 in) shim.
IMPORTANT:
In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the inner axle shaft must be moved outwards before measuring.
Fig 4: Measuring Differential Carrier Housing Machined Surface To Front Drive Axle Clutch Shaft Outer Surface