Oldsmobile 26050549 Rear Axle Drive Shaft

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The rear axle assembly is a hypoid, semi-floating type with a differential that allows the outer rear tire to turn more quickly than the inner tire when the vehicle goes around a corner. The axle shafts are splined to the differential side gears, causing the inner tire to turn more slowly than the outer tire. The differential pinion gears roll around the slower side gear, driving the outer side gear and tire more quickly. The differential is housed within a casting with a pressed steel cover known as the "carrier," and the steel axle tubes are pressed into and welded to the carrier. On 4WD models, a fully independent front axle assembly is used, consisting of a differential and a pair of driveaxles with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints. An extension axleshaft is employed on the right side to make up the difference in distance between the differential and the right front wheel. An optional locking limited-slip rear axle is also available, which allows for normal operation until one wheel loses traction. This differential includes a pair of clutch "cones" that slow the rotation of the differential case when one wheel is on a firm surface and the other on a slippery one, equalizing the rotation speed of the axleshaft driving the wheel with traction. It is important to check for other possible causes before assuming the axle is the problem, as road noise, tire noise, and engine and transmission noise can be mistaken for axle issues. Overhauling the differential may require special tools and is not typically cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

To remove the rear axle assembly, begin by loosening the rear wheel lug nuts and lifting the rear of the vehicle with jackstands placed under the frame. Remove the rear wheels and position a jack under the rear axle differential case. Disconnect the driveshaft and secure it out of the way.

The driveaxles are retained by snap rings at the inner end of the tri-pot joints.

For locking differentials, rotate the differential for access and support the pinion shaft to prevent it from falling into the case. Remove the lock bolt and withdraw the pinion shaft part-way.

Disconnect the spring U-bolts.

Mark the relationship of the inner CV joint to the flange.

Reverse the removal steps and make sure to lower the vehicle weight onto the wheels before tightening the U-bolt nuts completely.

The differential is housed within a casting known as the "carrier," which has a pressed steel cover. The steel axle tubes are pressed into and welded to the carrier.

To remove the pinion shaft for conventional differentials, remove the lock bolt and pull out the pinion shaft.

For locking differentials, install the C-locks with the pinion shaft partially withdrawn, ensuring they are positioned correctly. Withdraw the axleshaft carefully until the C-lock clears the thrust block. Once the C-locks are installed, push the pinion shaft into place with the groove lined up with the lock bolt hole, then install the lock bolt.

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly consisting of a differential and a pair of drive axles with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints. An extension axleshaft is employed on the right side to compensate for the distance difference between the differential and the right front wheel.

Use a large breaker bar to break loose the driveaxle hub nut.

Disconnect the driveshaft and secure it out of the way.

For conventional differentials, install the C-lock in the axleshaft groove and pull out on the flange to lock it. Insert the pinion shaft, align the hole in the shaft with the lock bolt hole, and install the lock bolt.

The differential is housed within a casting known as the "carrier," which has a pressed steel cover. The steel axle tubes are pressed into and welded to the carrier.

Mark the relationship of the inner CV joint to the flange.