Front Drive Axle: Adjustments Cadillac STS I

Pinion Depth Adjustment

Tools Required

1. J 22919 Differential Side Bearing Race Installer. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
2. J 24433 Pinion Cone and Side Bearing Installer. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
3. J 25070 Heat Gun
4. J 42168-9 Shim Measuring Tool. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
5. J 42168-16 Right Side Cover Spacers. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
6. J 44719 Carrier Bearing Cup Installer. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
7. J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
8. J 42264 Shim Kit

1. Install pinion tail bearing (7) then the pinion bearing spacer (12) on the J 42264-6 (1).
2. Install the head bearing (14) on J 42264-2 (2).
3. Install them into the pinion bearing housing (3) as shown.
4. Snug the bolt. This will apply the proper bearing preload determined by the custom ground spacer that is provided with the bearing kit.
5. Install the J 42264-3 (1) into the differential carrier as shown.
6. Turn the carrier over and attach the holding strap J 42168-9 and thumb screw (2). See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) . Snug the thumb screw.
7. Using J 25070 , heat the carrier in the pinion bearing housing area as shown.
8. Using 2 long bolts from J 45019 as guides, align the bolt holes of the pinion housing and the carrier. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) . Snug the bolts.
9. Apply a light coat of gear lube to the carrier bore and pinion housing in order to ease assembly.
10. Push the pinion housing into the bore of the carrier.
11. Install the pinion housing bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern. Tighten: Tighten the pinion housing bolts to 29 N.m (21 lb ft).
12. Measure the distance between the hex rod on the J 42264-2 (1) and the post on the J 42264-3 (2). Record this measurement.
13. Subtract this measurement from 5 mm (0.196 in). This is the amount of pinion shims needed for the pinion housing.
14. Remove J 42264-3 and J 42168-9 strap. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
15. Use the J 42264 (1) drop rod. Loosen the thumb screw and drop the rod through the hole on J 42264-2 (2).
16. Ensure the rod bottoms out in the bearing cup bore. Snug the thumb screw in order to record the distance.
17. Install the differential case side bearings using a press and J 22919 . See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) . Install the left side bearing until the bearing seats.
18. Turn the differential case over and install the right side bearing.
19. Place the J 42264-4 in a vise. Place the differential assembly with the bearing cup on J 42264-4 as shown.
20. Spin the differential several times to seat the bearing and cup.
21. Use an old ring gear bolt. Attach the J 42264-5 (2) to the differential assembly as shown.
22. Ensure that the drop rod aligns with the post of J 42264-4 (1).
23. Measure the gap (1) between the rod and the post on J 42264-4 (2). Record the measurement.
24. Spin the differential case and ensure that the measurement stayed the same.
25. Subtract the measured distance from 5 mm (0.197 in). This is the gear side shim. Record this distance.
26. It may be necessary to heat the carrier in order to remove the pinion bearing housing.
27. Screw the slide hammer into the bolt that holds the shimming tools in the pinion housing.
28. Pull the housing from the carrier.
29. Remove all of the shimming tools.
30. Install the shims (17) measured for the differential carrier side bearing cup (18).
31. Lightly lubricate the cup with gear lube.
32. Using J 24433 (1) and J 44719 (2), install the bearing cup until it seats. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
33. Install the differential assembly into the differential carrier.
34. Install the bearing cup and J 42264-1 on top of the cup as shown.
35. Using J 42168-16 3 bolts, spacers and washers from kit J 42264, install as shown and snug the bolts. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
36. Measure the gap as shown, this is the cover shim thickness.
37. Remove the tools.
38. Using J 24433 (1) and J 44719 (2), install the measured shims in the cup bore. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
39. Lightly coat the cup with gear lube.
40. Press the cup into the bore until it seats.

Backlash Inspection and Adjustment

Tools Required

1. J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
2. J 8001 Dial Indicator Set. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .

1. Remove 1 pinion housing bolt and install a long bolt from J 45019 . See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
2. Install the bolt into the flange as shown.
3. Install J 8001 as shown in order to check backlash. See «Special Tools»(ref-197620-S22095717962005101200000) .
4. Ensure that the dial indicator is positioned as shown on the bolt in flange for a proper reading. Specification: The backlash is 4.06-6.60 mm (0.16-0.26 in).

Scheme 17

The differential housing, side cover and pinion housing are constructed of cast aluminum. The internal components incorporate a hypoid gear set, ring and pinion, carrier assembly and pinion housing assembly. The pinion is supported in a pinion housing by tapered roller bearings. The pinion is positioned forward of the ring gear centerline. All models have a 7 5/8 inch ring gear. Each ring gear has specific setup dimensions, A1 and A2 values, stamped onto the side area of the gear. The A1 and A2 values are unique to each ring gear/pinion and are determined during the manufacturers gear/pinion noise and vibration setup and testing.

Pinion position, ring gear position and carrier bearing preload are determined by shimming procedures.

The differential assembly is available in 2 gear ratios. The 3.23 ratio axle is used in V8 applications. The 3.91 ratio is used in V6 applications.