Oldsmobile 26008315 Front Drive Shaft Kit (RH)

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The usual reason for axleshaft removal on this type of axle is that the shaft end play has become excessive. To check this, remove the road wheel and brake drum and attach a dial gauge with its stylus against the axleshaft end flange. If the shaft is then moved in and out by hand, the end play should not exceed 0.022 inch. If the end play is excessive, carry out the following operations as the shaft bearing is probably worn. Unscrew and remove the bolts which attach the axleshaft retainer plate to the brake backing plate. Attach a slide hammer to the road wheel mounting studs and withdraw the axleshaft. Do not attempt to pull the axleshaft by hand from the housing as you will only succeed in pulling the vehicle off the support stands. As the axleshaft is removed, it is possible that the bearing will become separated into three parts. This does not indicate that the bearing is unserviceable. If this happens, remove the two sections left behind from the axle tube. With the axleshaft removed, hold it in the jaws of a vise so that the bearing retainer ring rests on the edges of the jaws. Using a hammer and a sharp chisel, nick the retainer in two places. This will have the effect of spreading the retainer so that it will slide off the shaft. Do not damage the shaft in the process and never attempt to cut the retainer away with a torch as the temper of the shaft will be ruined. Using a suitable press or extractor, withdraw the bearing from the axleshaft. Remove and discard the oil seal. When installing the new bearing, make sure that the retainer plate and the seal are installed to the shaft first. Press on the bearing and the retaining ring tight up against it. Before installing the axleshaft assembly, smear wheel bearing grease onto the bearing end and to the bearing recess in the axlehousing tube. Apply rear axle oil to the axleshaft splines. Hold the axleshaft horizontal and insert it into the axle housing. Feel when the shaft splines have picked up those in the differential side gears and then push the shaft fully into position, using a soft faced hammer on the end flange as necessary. Bolt the retainer plate to the brake backplate, install the brake drum and wheel, and lower the vehicle to the ground.

For 1978-1980 models, these procedures apply to all models except 'B'.

Unbolt and remove the differential cover, allowing the fluid to drain into a suitable container.