Genuine Chevrolet Caprice Axle Shaft

Chevrolet Caprice Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Answers

• Rear Axle Shaft
  22506477
  Q: What is the usual reason for axleshaft removal on this type of axle for Chevrolet Caprice?

  A: 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 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 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 in 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.
• Rear Axle Shaft
  22506477
  Q: What are the operations for rear axles with pressed wheel bearings on Chevrolet Caprice?

  A: The operations for rear axles with pressed wheel bearings are as follows: First, raise the rear of the vehicle and remove the wheel and brake drum. Then, remove the pressed steel cover from the differential carrier to drain the oil. Next, remove the lock screw and pinion shaft. After that, remove the C-ring from the inner end of the axleshaft. Carefully withdraw the axleshaft, being mindful of the oil seal. To reinstall, follow the reverse order of removal, ensuring the lock screw is tightened to the specified torque. Always use a new cover gasket and tighten the cover bolts to the specified torque. Finally, refill the unit with the correct lubricant.
• Rear Axle Shaft
  22506477
  Q: How to remove and install an rear axle assembly on Chevrolet Caprice?

  A: Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on stands placed under the body frame rails. Position an adjustable floor jack under the differential housing and just take up the weight. Do not raise sufficiently to take the weight of the vehicle from the frame stands. Disconnect the lower shock absorber mountings. Remove the driveshaft. Remove the rear wheels and brake drums. Disconnect the hydraulic brake lines from their clips on the axle housing. Unbolt and remove the differential cover, allowing the fluid to drain into a suitable container. Remove the axle shafts depending on type. Unbolt the brake backing plates, carefully withdraw the brake assemblies and wire them up to the frame without bending the hydraulic lines or disconnecting them. Remove the leaf springs. Withdraw the axle assembly from under the vehicle. Installation is a reversal of removal but tighten all suspension bolts and nuts to the specified torque. Fill the axle assembly with the proper grade and amount of lubricant.