GMC 1989 Light Duty Truck, Repair Manual, Page: 203 / 998

DANA REAR AXLES 4B5-15
All Dana axles are identified by the part num ber on the
right axle tube next to the carrier. The model num ber is
cast on the carrier. The carrier cover does not have a
drain plug. There is a fill plug on the cover.
CHECK THE AXLE
BEFORE DISASSEMBLY
L*
Inspect
• Remove the axle cover from the rear axle and drain
the axle lubricant into a suitable container.
1. The ring g e a r b a c k la s h . R efer to “ B a cklash
Adjustm ent” in this section. This information can be
used to determine the cause of the axle problem. It
will also help when setting up the shim packs for
locating and preloading the differential case.
2. The case for metal chips and shavings. Determine
where these chips and shavings come from, such as
a broken gear or bearing case.
• Determine the cause of the axle problem before
disassembly if possible.
DISASSEMBLY OF THE
REAR AXLE
R em ove or D isconnect (Fig ure 42)
Tools Required:
J 24385-01 Differential Housing Spreader
J 29721 Differential Side Bearing Remover
J 29721-70 Side Bearing Adapters
J 8107-3 Side Bearing Puller Plug
D-166 Differential Case Holding Fixture
J 8614-01 Pinion Flange Holder
• Place the axle in a suitable support.
1. The differential cover bolts (17) and the differential
cover (14) (figure 43).
• D ra in th e g e a r lu b ric a n t in to a p ro p e r
container.
2. Axle shafts (40). Refer to the proper service manual.
Figure
44—
Removing the Bearing Cap
3. Bearing cap bolts (19) (figure 44).
4. Bearing caps (18).
• The mating letters are stamped on the caps
and the axle housing. The caps are to be
reassembled exactly as removed.
• Assemble J 24385-01 to the differential housing as
shown in figure 45.
• Assemble the dial indicator as shown in figure 45.
Preset the gage at least 0.020-inch, and then rotate
the gage housing to zero the dial.
NOTICE: Do n ot s pread the differe ntial carrier
m o r e t h a n 0 . 3 8 m m ( 0 . 0 1 5 - i n c h ) .
O v e r - s p r e a d in g th e c a r r ie r c a n d a m a g e or
distort the carrier.
• S p re a d th e c a rrie r w h ile e x a m in in g th e d ia l
indicator. Do not spread the carrier more than 0.38
mm (0.015-inch).
5. Differential case (22) from the carrier (1) using two
pry bars (figure 46).
6. The spreader J 24385-01 from the carrier (1).