Special Tools And Equipment - GMC chevrolet camaro 2000 Service Manual

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Driveline/ Axle
Operation
When the vehicle turns a corner, the differential allows
the outer rear tire and wheel assembly to turn faster
than the inner tire and wheel assembly.
The inner tire and wheel assembly moves more slowly
than the outer tire and wheel assembly. The inner
tire and wheel assembly slows its (side) differential
pinion gear. The side differential pinion gear is slowed
because the axle shaft is splined to the side gear.
The differential pinion gears roll around the slowed
(side) differential pinion gear. This action causes
the other differential pinion gear and the tire and wheel
assembly to move faster.
Limited Slip Rear Axle
Limited slip rear axles have several definite operating
characteristics. An understanding of these
characteristics is necessary in order to aid diagnostics.
The rear axle limited slip differential found in Camaro
and Firebird vehicles is the Zexel Torsen® rear
axle. This axle differs from the previous Auburn®
limited slip units. The Torsen® axle does not utilize
clutches or cone clutches as in other limited slip units.
The Zexel Torsen® axle is a unique design which
utilizes parallel axis helical gearing to develop
side gear separating force in an axial direction and
planetary gear separating force in a radial direction.
There are not any major servicing differences between
the Torsen® and Auburn® differentials except for a
thrust block is used in the Torsen® differential
for retention of the C-clip as compared to a pin used
in the Auburn® differential.
All the following rear axle components are
interchangeable (except for the differentials):
• Vehicles with the limited slip rear axle
" Vehicles with the standard rear axle
The Zexel Torsen® limited slip differential is
non-serviceable. The differential cases of the
2 vehicles are not interchangeable. The following
procedures are the same for both the Torsen® limited
slip differential case and the standard rear axle
differential case:
• Removal of the differential
• Replacement of the differential
• Service of the side bearings
• Service of the ring and pinion gear set
• All backlash and tooth contact pattern procedures
Rear Drive Axle 4-53
Rear Axle Identification
2
3
You must know the rear axle identification code (1)
and the manufacturer's code (2) before adjusting
or repairing the repair axle shafts or the differential.
5794
The following information is stamped onto the forward
side of the right axle tube or on a metal tag on the
housing cover:
• The rear axle ratio
• The differential type
• The manufacturer's code (2)
• The build date (3)
RPO codes for the rear axle are also printed on the
service parts identification label:
Maintenance and Lubrication
Refer to Lubricant Level Check for information on
measuring or adding lubricant.
Special Tools and Equipment
Illustration Tool Number/ Description
~ o
J
2619-01
Slide Hammer With 1/2 X 13
Adapter
982