Chevrolet 1973 Overhaul Manual page 48

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 the Service
Manual.
3. Roll out the differential pinions and thrust washers,
then remove side gears and thrust washers. Mark
pinions and side gears so that they can be
reassembled in original position.
4. Mark the bearing caps and housing for reassembly
in same position. Remove bearing cap bolts and
bearing caps. Tap surface of bearing caps to loosen.
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 2B, 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 caps
may be loosely installed, as shown in Figure 2B, to
prevent case from falling.
6. Place left and right bearing cups with bearing caps
so that they may be reinstalled in original positions.
Place shims with appropriate cups.
Fig. 2 B -D iffe re n tia l Case Removal
REAR AXLE D IFFERENTIAL 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 splines 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-8107-4,
assuring puller legs are fitted securely in notches in
case and against bearing cone, as shown in figure
3B.
2. Tighten puller screw to remove bearing.
3. Place new bearing on hub with thick side of inner
race toward case and drive into place, using J-22175
and Driver Handle J-8092, as shown in figure 4B.
4. Before bearing installation on opposite hub,
support differential case on Adapter Plug J-8107-4.
This allows differential case to rest on adapter
instead of bearing cage. See Figure 4B. Install
remaining bearing as instructed in Step 3.
Ring Gear or Differential Case Replacement
1. Remove the ring gear bolts (L.H. thread on
passenger car applications) 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. 3B —D iffe re n tia l B earing Removal
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OVERHAUL MANUAL