Differential Assembly: Description and Operation
Fig. 2 Integral carrier type rear axle. Type B & O (exc. 7-1/2 inch) axle:
Fig. 3 Integral carrier type differential. Types C, G, K, M, O (7-1/2 inch) & P axle:
Exc. Toronado
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the rear axle assemblies used on conventional models. When necessary to overhaul any of these units, refer to the Rear Axle Specifications table in this chapter.
Fig. 2 Integral carrier type rear axle. Type B & O (exc. 7-1/2 inch) axle:
INTEGRAL CARRIER TYPE ``B'' & ``O'' (EXC. 71/2 INCH)
As shown in Fig. 2, the drive pinion is mounted on two tapered roller bearings that are preloaded by two selected spacers. The drive pinion is positioned by shims located between a shoulder on the pinion and the rear bearing. The front bearing is held in place by a large nut. The differential is supported in the carrier by two tapered roller side bearings. These are preloaded by inserting shims between the bearings and the pedestals. The differential assembly is positioned for ring gear and pinion backlash by varying these shims.
Fig. 3 Integral carrier type differential. Types C, G, K, M, O (7-1/2 inch) & P axle:
TYPE C, G, K, M, O (7 1/2 INCH) & P
In these rear axles, Fig. 3, the rear axle housing and differential carrier are cast into an integral assembly. The drive pinion assembly is mounted in two opposed tapered roller bearings. The pinion bearings are preloaded by a spacer behind the front bearing. The pinion is positioned by a washer between the head of the pinion and the rear bearing. The differential is supported in the carrier by two tapered roller side bearings. These bearings are preloaded by spacers located between the bearings and carrier housing. The differential assembly is positioned for proper ring gear and pinion backlash by varying these spacers. The differential case houses two side gears in mesh with two pinions mounted on a pinion shaft which is held in place by a lock pin. The side gears and pinions are backed by thrust washers.
REAR AXLE, REPLACE
Construction of the axle assembly is such that service operations may be performed with the housing installed in the vehicle or with the housing removed and installed in a holding fixture. The following procedure is necessary only when the housing requires replacement.
1. Raise car and remove rear wheels, drums and axle shafts.
2. Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinders.
3. Unfasten and support backing plates with wire hooks to frame kickup.
4. Disconnect shock absorbers at housing.
5. Position jack stands under frame rear torque boxes, then disconnect upper control arms and slowly lower axle housing to stands.
6. Remove springs.
7. Remove propeller shaft and support front of axle housing at companion flange to prevent assembly from rotating when the lower control arms are disconnected.
8. Remove lower control arm bolts at axle housing.
9. Remove support at companion flange and lower axle housing.
10. Remove assembly to bench and transfer parts to new axle housing.
11. Reverse procedure to install.
AXLE SHAFT, REPLACE
Type C, G, K, M, O (7 1/2 Inch) & P
1. Raise vehicle and remove wheel and brake drum.
2. Clean all dirt from area of carrier cover.
3. Drain lubricant from carrier by removing cover.
4. Remove differential pinion shaft lock screw and shaft.
5. Push flanged end of axle shaft toward center of vehicle and remove ``C'' lock from button end of shaft.
6. Remove axle shaft from housing, being careful not to damage oil seal.
7. Reverse procedure to install.Type B & O (Exc. 7 1/2 Inch)
1. Remove wheel and brake drum.
2. Remove axle bearing retainer (4 nuts).
3. Pull axle shaft from housing. If bearing is a tight fit in housing, use a slide hammer-type puller. Do not drag shaft over seal as this may damage seal.
4. Attach one axle bearing retainer nut to hold brake backing plate in position.
5. Before installing axle shaft, examine oil seal. The seals have feathered edges which form a tight seal around the shaft. If these edges are damaged in any way, seal must be replaced. Examine seal surface on shaft; if it is not smooth, dress it down with very fine emery cloth.
6. Reverse removal procedure to install axle shaft, being sure to grease outside of axle bearing, seal surface on axle shaft and bore of axle housing with differential lubricant. Place new gasket and bearing retainer over studs, install nuts and tighten to 35 ft. lbs.
Fig. 4 Removing axle shaft bearing retainer:
7. Bearings should be replaced if found to be rough or have greater than .020 inch endplay. Remove bearing only when new bearing is to be installed; once removed it must not be reused.
8. With axle shaft removed from housing, split bearing retainer with a chisel, Fig. 4.
9. Press bearing off shaft.
10. Press new bearing on shaft up against shoulder on shaft.
11. Press retainer on shaft up against bearing.
12. Reverse removal procedure to install axle shaft.