Chevy Rear Axle Problems Solved

Chevy Rear Axle Problems Solved

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Rear Axle Problems

The rear axle used on all Models is known as a three-quarters floating, the load being carried by the wheel hubs running on bearings mounted in the axle housings.  The function of the axle shafts is to rotate the wheels and hold them in an upright position.

Properly lubricated, the rear axle will give no trouble; however, continued use will in time produce wear.

Rear Axle Noises

This can be subdivided into two classes

FIRST:

A normal and natural steady hum which is sometimes present when gears are used, whether in an axle or otherwise.The motorist should not become alarmed if the noise continues steady and uniform.

occasionally one or more teeth may have  become broken.  There is no absolute method of diagnosis except to disassemble the axle and examine and try the fit of each working part.

A rear axle is divided into three component parts:

(a) A propeller shaft, which is the connecting shaft between the transmission and the axle proper.

(b) A differential, whose function is to permit one wheel to travel faster than the other, or independent of the other, such as turning corners, etc.

(c) The main or driving shafts to which the rear wheels are secured.

Each of the above are properly supported on bearings mounted in suitable housings.

The following hints will give a general idea of the probable source of difficulty should occasion demand.

 

Rear Wheels Will Not Rotate

(a) Remove the hub caps and note if axle shafts revolve.  Occasionally the key holding the wheel hub to the axle shaft shears off.

(b) Remove the cover on the transmission and note if the spline shaft revolves.  If it does, the trouble may be looked for at either of the following places:

FIRST:  Broken Key on Drive Pinion.

SECOND:  Broken Key on Differential Side Gears.

THIRD:  Rivets or bolts sheared on Differential Bevel Gear Case.

FOURTH:  Broken Propeller Shaft Thrust Bearing or adjustment loosened up which allows drive pinion to slide out of mesh with the Bevel Gear.

FIFTH:  Broken universal joint or propeller shaft.

Related Articles – Chevy Brakes Problems Solved

 

Grinding Noises When Turning Corners

This is an indication that the Differential thrust bearings or the Differential spider are worn.  Replacement and proper fitting is the only remedy.

 

Axle “Bucks or Clashes” When Coasting

May Be Due to One or All of the Following:

FIRST:   Worn or improperly adjusted Propeller Shaft Thrust Bearing.

SECOND:  Worn Drive Gear or Pinion.

filmy:  Worn Universal Joint.

FOURTH:  Loose Rear Axle Shaft Wheel Key.

FIFTH:  Worn Bushing in the Transmission drive gear.

SIXTH:   Loose Rivets or screws holding Drive gear to  differential gear case.

SEVENTH:  Worn Differential spider pins.

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Chevy Rear Axle Problems Solved  Article Source – This article courtesy should goes to : Chevrolet Repair Guide of 1923 by Chevrolet Motor Company.