pulling out a pinion gear Help!!!!

[Redfrog]

here's the deal I am replacing the inner axle seals in a D44, I got everthing cleaned out, knocked the seals out and then I got to looking in the pumpkin and there is paint(i'm assuming that's what it is) flaking off from the brake cleaner I used to clean it out with, of corse it is falling around the pinon bearing.
I figure I had better pull the gear out and clean the rest of the crap out so I don't fry the bearings,


I have never pulled a pinion out, Do I need to worry about screwing up anything like lash,preload, All you need to do is count the threads on the pinion and replace it the same way ????

I am I way off is there a easier way? /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Doesn't a Dana 44 have a solid pinion bearing spacer? If so, all you'd need to do is torque the nut to spec when you're done.

 

[Redfrog]

I have no idea If so that would rock

 

[darkshadow]

but do you not need a new crush sleave in there after you torque it once , you need a new one to keep the barings properly spaced. at least this is what we do with my bosses gtos.

 

[K5MONSTERCHEV]

Dana has shims to set the preload. When you take it out just make sure you have all the shims, when you reinstall it, just tighten it up. To take it out, use a brass punch and hammer. Youll also need a new pinion seal if you take out the outer pinion bearing.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

[ QUOTE ]
but do you not need a new crush sleave in there after you torque it once , you need a new one to keep the barings properly spaced. at least this is what we do with my bosses gtos.

[/ QUOTE ]

GM axles use crush sleeves.

Danas, from what I understand, generally, do not.

 

[Redfrog]

excellent, thanks for the info, /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif after I read your post I pulled it out and of course one of the small shims is toast /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif I think I could probably slide it in the middle of the pack but I know I should not so I guess I'm going to learn how to set up a axle

 

[mofugly13]

You don't have to set up a new axle, just get a new shim the same thickness of the one you boogered up, or better yet, measure the whole pack of shims and get a new stack the same thickness as the old one. No need to set up your diff all over again.

 

[Blue85]

I'd be surprised if there was paint inside the axle housing. It could be some baked on crud from the old gear oil. Best to clean all of it out.