Hi all, We are looking for some help removing the axle shaft so we can change the outer seal. My ‘73 LeSabre has a rear end from an Electra, we got it from Ken Mild (if you’re out here Ken!). All of the instructions and videos we’ve seen of posi rear ends don’t have central S shaped springs like these, and I wanted to check before we just tug them out and have shims fly every direction… But I can’t see how else to get to the C clip to remove it? Picture attached for explanation. We removed the pin without an issue. The other question we have is why the seal would start leaking? There doesn’t seem to be any play in the end of the axle, so I don’t think the bearing is worn. Do the seals randomly fail with time? Thanks!
Well it’s entirely possible and I just assumed wrong… It would certainly explain why I can’t figure out how to get to the c-clips.
If it is a posi rear, put a drag slick on one side, and a bald bias ply on the other side, wind it up to 7,000 RPM, or until pistons start swapping holes, then do a neutral drop (auto), or side step the clutch pedal, and I gar-on-tee, the axle will remove itself... Every time. (or your money back)
Since the reason to pull the axle is a leaking seal, is there anything we should look out for? Are these known to wear a groove in the axle like I've seen in some other cases? Or maybe the bearing is loose (although the axle feels tight so I don't think the bearing is bad)? -Bob C. (Derek's brother)
I don’t remember how these are set up seal-wise. Likely bearing-seal integrated setup that will have to be replaced as a unit.
Thanks everyone. We did need to get a slide hammer with flange to pull it out after removing the bolts. The bearing and retainer are press-fit. We weren't able to get the retainer off, going to bring it to a machine shop to get the bearing removed. We have a new bearing, seal and retainer but can't get the old ones off.
X2, although it is better to use an old drum as it can bend the part of the drum where the bolt holes are.
We didn't have any extra drums. But also we found an old Haynes manual and it said something to the effect of "Be sure to use a real slide hammer and don't try to just pull the axle out of the car or you'll pull the whole car off the lift and there will be massive chaos". I'll have to get the exact wording next time I'm there, it sounds like it was written from the perspective of someone who had first-hand experience with a falling car. It was kinda hysterical and I would've been hesitant to try the drum trick after reading that. Anyhow that retainer proved to be too much so we're going to have to find "someone who knows what they are doing" and get the retainer pulled off. (It can probably be done in their sleep, by someone who knows what they are doing and has the right setup - but we are neither of those). -Bob C.
It doesn't take a lot of force to remove the axle. I've never had an issue using the drum. As to the retainer, I use an air hammer with a chisel. There is no need to chisel through the retainer, just hit it for a few seconds and the ring will come off by hand. A piece of pipe can be used to install if no press is available.
