Timken (Rockwell) Axle
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ADJUSTMENTFig. 12 Timken (Rockwell) axle w/12 inch ring gear:
This axle, Fig. 12, employs a heavy duty hypoid drive pinion and ring gear. The differential and gear assembly is mounted on tapered roller bearings. The straddle mounted pinion has two tapered roller bearings in front of the pinion teeth which take the forward and reverse thrust, while a third bearing behind the pinion teeth carries the radial load.
AXLE HOUSING, REPLACE
Refer to ``Chevrolet Full Floating Axles'' for axle housing replacement procedures, since procedures are identical for both axles.
AXLE SHAFT, REPLACE
1. Remove hub cap, then install slide hammer adapter into tapped hole in axle flange.
2. Attach slide hammer onto adapter, then remove axle shaft from housing.
3. Install axle shaft, ensuring flange and hub splines align.
4. Install new gasket, position flange to hub, then install attaching bolts and tighten to specifications.
WHEEL BEARINGS, ADJUST
1. Remove axle shaft as outlined previously.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Disengage retainer tang from locknut, then remove locknut and retainer from axle housing tube.
4. While rotating wheel, torque inner adjusting nut to 50 lb ft, then back off nut 1/8 of a turn.
5. Install retainer so that short tang engages nearest slot on adjusting nut.
6. Install outer locknut and torque to 250 lb ft, then bend long tang of retainer into slot of outer nut.