Genuine Chevrolet El Camino Axle Shaft

Chevrolet El Camino Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Rear Axle Shaft
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  Q: What is the usual reason for axleshaft removal on this type of axlefor Chevrolet El Camino?

  A: The usual reason for axleshaft removal on this type of axle is excessive shaft end play. To check this, remove the road wheel and brake drum and attach a dial gauge to the axleshaft end flange. If the shaft can be moved in and out by hand, the end play should not exceed 0.022 inches. If it does, the shaft bearing is likely worn and the following operations should be carried out. First, unscrew and remove the bolts attaching the axleshaft retainer plate to the brake backing plate. Then, attach a slide hammer to the road wheel mounting studs and withdraw the axleshaft, avoiding pulling it by hand from the housing. As the axleshaft is removed, the bearing may separate into three parts, but this does not mean it is unserviceable. If this happens, remove the two sections left behind from the axle tube. With the axleshaft removed, hold it in a vise so that the bearing retainer ring rests on the jaws' edges. Use a hammer and sharp chisel to nick the retainer in two places, spreading it to slide off the shaft without damaging it. Do not attempt to cut the retainer with a torch as it will ruin the shaft's temper. Use a press or extractor to withdraw the bearing from the axleshaft and remove and discard the oil seal. When installing the new bearing, ensure the retainer plate and seal are installed to the shaft first, pressing the bearing and retaining ring tightly against it. Before installing the axleshaft assembly, apply Wheel Bearing grease to the bearing end and races in the axle housing tube, and rear axle oil to the axleshaft splines. Hold the axleshaft horizontally and insert it into the axle housing, feeling when the shaft splines engage with those in the differential side gears, and then push the shaft fully into position using a soft-faced hammer on the end flange if necessary. Finally, bolt the retainer plate to the brake backplate, install the brake drum and wheel, and lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Rear Axle Shaft
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  Q: What are the operations involved in the rear axle operations for axles with pressed wheel bearings for Chevrolet El Camino?

  A: The rear axle operations for axles with pressed wheel bearings involve raising the rear of the vehicle, removing the wheel and brake drum, unscrewing and removing the pressed steel cover from the differential carrier to drain the oil.
• Rear Axle Shaft
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  Q: How to remove the rear axle assembly for Chevrolet El Camino?

  A: To remove the rear axle assembly, start by raising the rear of the vehicle and supporting it securely on stands placed under the body frame rails. Then, position an adjustable floor jack under the differential housing to take up the weight without raising it too high. Disconnect the lower shock absorber mountings and remove the driveshaft, rear wheels, and brake drums. Disconnect the hydraulic brake lines from their clips on the axle housing and remove the differential cover to drain the fluid. Depending on the axle type, remove the axle shaft and brake backing plates, carefully withdrawing the brake assemblies and wiring them up to the frame without bending the hydraulic pipes. Finally, remove the leaf springs and withdraw the axle assembly from under the vehicle. To install, simply reverse the removal steps and make sure to tighten all suspension bolts and nuts to the specified torque. Don't forget to fill the axle assembly with the proper grade and amount of lubricant.
• Rear Axle Shaft
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  Q: What are the features and identification details of the rear axle in the Chevrolet El Camino?

  A: The rear axle is of hypoid semi-floating type, with a casting differential carrier and a pressed steel cover. The axle tubes are made of steel construction. Due to the need for special gauges and equipment, as well as the unavailability of individual differential components, servicing and repair operations should be confined. An optional Positraction (limited slip) differential unit has been available since the earliest models, which includes clutch cones or plates and springs to slow down the rotation of the differential case when one wheel is on a firm surface and the other on a slippery one. The axle identification number, located on the front face of the right-hand axle tube, is important for certain operations such as the removal of the axleshafts. The axle code, which can be determined using the axle code and ratio chart, indicates the gear ratios installed in the axle assembly. The third letter of the code identifies the manufacturer of the axle, with slight variations in axle design between manufacturers. The numbers following the manufacturer's code indicate the day of the year the axle was built, with the letter D or N representing day or night shift. The last letter of the code identifies a locking axle (Positraction), with different code letters for different manufacturers. The axle code chart provides information on the gear ratio and year of each axle assembly, with later vehicles potentially having the axle ratio stamped on the housing.