Chevrolet 1973 Overhaul Manual page 36

DIFFERENTIAL CASE
Removal and Disassembly
NOTE: Before proceeding with following
steps, it is advisable to check the existing ring
gear to pinion backlash as described under
"Checks and Adjustments". This will indicate
gear or bearing wear or an error in backlash
or pinion depth setting which will help in
determining cause of axle noise. Backlash
should be recorded so that if same gears are
reused, they may be reinstalled at original
lash to avoid changing gear tooth contact.
1. Remove screw that retains differential pinion shaft,
and remove pinion shaft.
2. Remove rear axle shafts as outlined in Service
Manual.
3. Roll out the differential pinions and thrust washers;
then remove side gears and thrust washers. Mark
the pinions and side gears so they can be
reassembled in their original positions.
4. Mark side bearing caps for installation in same
position during reassembly. Remove bolts holding
differential side bearing caps to housing.
Do not attempt to pry caps off as
CAUTION:
this may damage machined face o f caps.
5. Using a pry bar as shown in figure 2A, pry
differential case out of carrier. Exercise caution in
prying on carrier so that gasket sealing surface is
not damaged. If the bearings are preloaded, the
case will suddenly fall free when it is pried past a
certain point; therefore, make sure case is properly
supported to prevent damage. The bearing cups
may be loosely installed, as shown in figure 2A, to
prevent case from falling.
6. Place right and left bearing outer races and shims
in sets with marked bearing caps so that they can
be reinstalled in their original positions.
Fig. 2A D iffe re n tia l Case Removal
REAR AXLE DIFFER EN TIA L CARRIER
Inspection
1. Clean all parts in cleaning solvent; inspect all
bearing cups, races and rollers for scoring, chipping
or evidence of excessive wear.
2. Inspect axle shaft and side gear for evidence of
excessive wear.
3. Inspect hypoid ring gear and pinion teeth for
possible scoring, cracking or chipping.
4. Inspect differential case, pinions, side gears, thrust
washers and pinion shaft for cracks scoring,
spalling or excessive wear.
5. Check fit of differential side gears in case.
Differential Bearing Replacement
1. Install Tool J-22888 and Adapter Plug J-8107-2, as
shown in figure 3A. Make sure that the puller legs
are fitted securely in case notches, against inner
race.
2. Tighten puller screw to remove bearing.
3. Place new bearing onto hub, with the thick side of
the inner race toward the case. Drive the bearing
into place, using J-22761 as shown in figure 4A.
4. Before bearing installation on opposite hub,
support differential case on Adapter Plug J-8107-2.
This allows differential case to rest on adapter plug
instead of bearing cage. Install other bearing as
done in Step 3.
Ring Gear or Differential Case Replacement
1. Remove the ring gear screws (L.H. thread) and,
using a soft drift and a hammer, tap ring gear off
the case.
NOTE: Do not attempt to pry ring gear from
case. To do so may damage machined
surfaces.
2. Remove any nicks or imbedded dirt from case
Fig. 3A —D iffe re n tia l Side Bearing Removal
4-5
J 2 2 8 8 8
OVERHAUL MANUAL