Cadillac 54-6219 1954 Shop Manual page 137

8-2
REAR AXLE
The axle shaft is of the semi-floating design
with a
permanently lubricated and sealed ball
bearing supporting it at the outer end near the
wheels. Axle shaft oil seals are located at the
outer ends of the axle housing, just inside the ball
bearings.
The power and braking forces are transmitted
to the frame through the rear springs Hotchkiss
Drive which provides additional cushioning for
all driving strains, resulting in smoother and
quieter operation. Power is transmitted from the
transmission to the rear axle assembly by a
tubular propeller shaft, with "Mechanics"
type
'I Axle Gear Ratio Identification
The gear ratio of the rear axle assembly on 1954
series Cadillac cars can be determined by an
identifying number on the bottom of the differential
case beneath the center of the pinion shaft.
The ratios for the various models are listed
below.
Identification
Series Ratio Number
1954-62, 605
optional
1954-75
1954-86 Comm.
2 Replacement of Rear Axle Oil Seals
Whenever the axle shaft oil seal or the differ
ential pinion shaft oil seal is removed for any
reason, a new oil seal must be installed.
Guard against any bending or denting of the
3.07-1
3.36-1
3.77-1
4.27-1
universal joints at each end. The rear universal
joint cross bearings are attached to the rear axle
pinion yoke by four screws and locks for easy
removal of the propeller shaft from the car. On
all 1954-605 and 62 Series passenger cars, the
sliding joint is located at the rear of the trans
mission. The 1954-75 Series passenger car and the
1954-86 commercial chassis use a special yoke
with a threaded plug in combination with a snap
ring on the transmission shaft to lock the yoke to
the transmission output shaft. On these series cars,
the sliding yoke is located at the rear of the rear
propeller shaft assembly.
seals, as this may cause leakage after installa
tion. Even a slight scratch across the sealing lip
may provide a channel for oil to seep through.
Seals should be
soaked
in clean motor oil for 1/2
hour before being installed.
After removing the road wheel and axle shaft as
explained in Note 5, the axle seal may be removed
from the rear axle housing.
A tool, to facilitate the removal of the axle seal,
may be made up to the dimensions indicated in
Fig. 8-2 and used with the Special Slide Hammer
Assembly. Tool No. J-26l9. Install the plate on the
slide hammer shaft and install a flat washer and
nut on threaded end.
Dimension 62-60S Series 75-86 Series
A
B
C
D
E
F
1/4" 5/16"
7/8"
1-9/16"
2-9/16"
1-1/2"
3/16"
3/4"
1-1/8"
2-1/8"
1-1/4"
3/16"
Slide the shaft with plate, through seal and pull
shaft outward to position plate against inside face
of seal, Fig. 8-2. Be sure plate isnot behind shoul
der in housing, as it will bend theplate. Drive out
ward with slide hammer to remove seal.
Before installing a new seal, wipe the counter-
bore into which the seal is pressed and carefully
remove any nicks or burrs. The sealing surface
on the axle shaft should be polished, using 400 grit
"wet" paper and kerosene to insure a smooth sur
face and to prevent wear on the seal.
The surface of the sealing lip should be coated
with
lubricant at installation. The outside diameter
SERVICE INFORMATION
f3l
"6"
1711
Seal
-,
Fig. 8-2 Rear Axle Oil Seal Removal Tool