Buick 7846871 AXLE KIT

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For standard differentials, it's advisable to use GL-5 hypoid-type gear oil such as SAE 80W or SAE 80W/90. However, for positraction/limited slip differentials, GM recommends a specialized lubricant designed explicitly for these units, typically available at Buick parts departments, due to the unique requirements of limited slip differentials with clutch packs. Regularly checking the oil level in the differential is crucial, ideally performed at each engine oil change or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Park the vehicle on a level surface, position a drain pan beneath the filler plug on the front of the differential carrier, and clean the plug and its surroundings. Remove the filler plug, and if the lubricant starts to flow out, the differential is adequately filled. If not, carefully insert a finger to ensure the oil level reaches the filler hole and add oil if necessary. Replace and snugly tighten the plug. When draining and refilling the rear axle lubricant, use a suitable gasket to seal the axle housing cover. There's no fixed interval for changing the rear axle lubricant, but it's recommended when purchasing a used vehicle or if it's been exposed to high water levels. Follow these steps: park on a level surface, set the parking brake, place a drain pan underneath, remove the filler plug, take off the axle cover, drain the fluid, clean the cover, seal both sides of a new gasket with sealant, reinstall the cover with a crisscross tightening pattern, refill the axle with the recommended fluid, replace and snugly tighten the filler plug, check for leaks after a short drive.

Connect the brake line clip to the strut bracket, mount the wheel, and lower the car to the ground.

To replace the axle shaft components, begin by removing the axle shaft from the vehicle. Cut off the seal retaining clamp from the outer joint seal and remove the seal retainer from the outer joint assembly by gently tapping it evenly around the retainer. Use snap ring pliers to spread the retaining ring and remove the joint assembly from the axle shaft. Take off the outer joint seal and seal retainer from the axle shaft. To remove the ball bearings, gently tap on the bearing cage to rotate it within the outer race. Once the balls are out, pivot the cage and inner race to align the cage windows with the outer race lands and lift them out. Rotate the inner race within the cage to withdraw it. Follow the same procedure to remove the inner joint assembly, seal retainer, inner joint seal, and seal retaining clamp from the axle shaft. Clean all parts in solvent, keeping inner and outer joint assembly components separate. Inspect races, cages, and ball bearings for any damage and replace if necessary. Check the condition of rubber seal boots and replace any with holes or cracks. Apply lithium-based grease to the ball grooves on inner and outer races, then begin reassembly. Install the inner race into the cage with the retaining ring side facing the small end of the cage, then place the cage and inner race into the outer race of the inner joint assembly. Reinstall the balls and pack the joint with grease. Put a new seal retaining clamp or hose clamp on the axle shaft, followed by the seal retainer and seal for the inner joint assembly. Secure the seal in its groove and tighten the clamp. Slide the race retaining ring onto the axle shaft, press the inner joint assembly onto it until the retaining ring is seated, and use a press to install the seal retainer onto the inner joint assembly. Repeat this assembly procedure for the outer joint assembly and seal. Finally, install the axle shaft back into the vehicle.

The X-Body cars utilize 2 axle shafts running directly from the transaxle to the front hubs and wheels. These axle shafts are of the double offset design, each consisting of an axleshaft with a ballbearing joint on each end connecting the shaft with the transaxle and front hubs. All of the axle shafts used on the X-Bodies, except for the left-hand inner joint of the automatic transaxle, incorporate a male spline interlocking with the transaxle through barrel-type snap rings. The left-hand inner joint shaft on the automatic transaxle model uses a female spline fitting over a shaft in the transaxle. Each axle shaft uses a helical spline end to connect with the steering knuckle and hub assembly in a tight, press fit, eliminating any end play between the axle shaft and the hub assembly, thereby increasing durability and reducing noise. It is advised not to attempt to heat or straighten any part of the axle shaft assemblies as this could weaken the metal or cause other damage. Caution is advised when working with or around the axle shaft assemblies to avoid damaging the rubber seal boots on the shafts, which prevent dirt and water from entering and damaging the ball bearing joints.

To remove the hub and bearing assembly, you need to remove the bolts securing it to the rear axle and remove the assemblies along with the brake backing plates.

Remove the axleshafts.

If the end play is excessive, you should carry out the following operations as the shaft bearing is probably worn.

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