1942 - 1947 Chevrolet Shop Manual



4-4

the leather oil seal, and that they engage with the splines of the differential side gears. Replace the "C" washers on the inner end of the shafts and pry the shaft ends apart carefully (do not scratch or damage inner ends) so that the "C" washers are seated in the counterbore in the differential side gears. Select the proper axle shaft spacer so that there is from a free fit to a maximum of .014" clearance between the ends of the axle shafts and the spacer, Fig. 5. NOTE—There are four sizes of axle shaft spacers available for use on the rear axle, their dimensions being as follows:		described and insert the special bearing puller shown in Fig. 6. This puller should be assembled into the bearing and the axle housing with the jaws of the puller in a vertical position so as to keep them away from the welding flash on the inside of the axle housing. This tool not only removes the bearing but the bearing retainer on the inside and the leather oil seal on the outside. To Replace Axle Shaft Bearing To replace a new bearing and leather oil seal in the axle housing, the special tool shown in Fig. 7 can be used to locate the bearing in its correct position. With the bearing and inside bearing retainer and the outside leather oil seal assembled to the end of the driver, start the bearing into the axle housing. A few light blows with a hammer on the end of the tool will seat the bearing in its correct position as well as the retainer and the oil seal. After the tool has been removed, the oil seal should be staked in place with a prick punch. Assemble the axle shafts and wheels as previously described.
Narrow-1.0105" Medium-(1.0195" Medium (1.0295" Wide-1.0345"	Wide Across Ground Surfaces Wide Across Ground Surfaces Wide Across Ground Surfaces Wide Across Ground Surfaces
You will note in the Master Parts Book that only one part number is listed for the two medium size spacers. This is because all four surfaces of the medium spacer are ground, while the narrow spacer and wide spacer have only two surfaces ground. After the proper clearance is obtained between the axle shaft end and the spacer and it is properly installed in its place, assemble the pinion shaft and lock it in place with the special screw, using a lockwasher under its head. Replace the axle housing cover, using a new cork gasket, and fill the differential to proper level with the correct hypoid gear lubricant.


		Fig. 7—Axle Shaft Bearing and Retainer Replacer MAJOR SERVICE OPERATIONS Removing Rear Axle Assembly Raise the car from the floor by the use of jacks and car horses, or by the use of a chain hoist and a lifting device. Remove both rear wheels and brake drums. Install wheel cylinder clamps on the brake wheel cylinders. Disconnect the hand brake cables from the idler lever, and remove the brake cables from the cable clamps on the frame. Disconnect the hydraulic brake line connection at the rear axle housing. Disconnect the shock absorber links from the anchor plates. Remove the spring "U" bolts; disconnect the spring shackles and drop the springs. Slide the axle back to disconnect the torque tube at the front end. The axle is now free and can be moved to the axle stand.
Fig. 6-- Shaft Bearing Puller To Remove Axle Shaft Bearing The wheel end of the axle shaft is mounted in a Hyatt roller bearing which is pressed into the axle housing. To remove this bearing it is necessary to remove the wheels and axle shafts as previously