removing axles

[poorboy]

Anybody know the trick to releasing the rear axle clips on a 99 NSB. We're trying to replace seals and can't seem to figure out how to release the axles.

[Bish]

Anybody know the trick to releasing the rear axle clips on a 99 NSB.  We're trying to replace seals and can't seem to figure out how to release the axles.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

If you hace the G80 locker...

 

Remove diff cover

Remove in-locking bolt

Slide locking pin most of the way out until it hits the housing of the diff

Push axle in and rotate until you see the c-clip. Mine practically fell out. It doesn't clip, it just sits there and is held in place when you pull the axle back out.

 

I did one side at a time.

 

Good Luck

[pm26]

Some advice on the seals:

 

The best way to remove those is by using a sliding hammer with a three prong gear puller attachment. You can rent the hammer for free from Auto Zone if you do not have one. I found the sliding hammer to be the only practical seal removal tool on differential seals, because some are stubborn and do not come out easily. If you use a seal puller or pound on the seal housing with a screwdriver and hammer, you could damage the differential housing.

 

When installing new seals, use a seal installation tool or appropriate size socket and tap it in slowly. Before installing the seal, coat the outside (metal portion) of the seal sparingly with RTV. This will prevent oil leaks if there are any burrs or pit in the differential housing in the seal area. Coat the inner lip of the seal wih oil before reisntalling the axles.

[ken1mod]

Some advice on the seals:

 

The best way to remove those is by using a sliding hammer with a three prong gear puller attachment.  You can rent the hammer for free from Auto Zone if you do not have one.  I found the sliding hammer to be the only practical seal removal tool on differential seals, because some are stubborn and do not come out easily.  If you use a seal puller or pound on the seal housing with a screwdriver and hammer, you could damage the differential housing.

 

When installing new seals, use a seal installation tool or appropriate size socket and tap it in slowly.  Before installing the seal, coat the outside (metal portion) of the seal sparingly with RTV.  This will prevent oil leaks if there are any burrs or pit in the differential housing in the seal area.  Coat the inner lip of the seal wih oil before reisntalling the axles.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Good God,

 

You don't use a slide hammer on these axles. you do on some but never on these. You release the clip lightly and easily and the axle slips out with pinky pressure. Post that explains removing lock bolt and sliding pin to expose clips is correct. with pin removed, the axle slips in about half an inch, clip drops out and axle is completely free and slips out. a slide hammer is unnecessary and can damage things.

 

Ken

[pm26]

Read the post again. I am talking about removing the seals, not the axles. I have removed these types of axles in the past myself without an incident and do not challenge anything you said about their removal. The original poster is removing the axles because he needs to replace the leaky axle seals.

 

I have seen people beat on the seals with chisels and hammers, which is stupid. Sliding hammers work well on these seals.

 

And yes, you are right, sometimes you need to use a sliding hammer in a gentle manner when removing some axles. For example, my 67 T-bird axles are not held in by c clips, but have a plate that bolts up to the brake shoe backing plate. The axle is held in place by the friction of the axle bearing pressed onto the axle shaft and its locking collar.

[ken1mod]

Read the post again.  I am talking about removing the seals, not the axles.  I have removed these types of axles in the past myself without an incident and do not challenge anything you said about their removal.  The original poster is removing the axles because he needs to replace the leaky axle seals.

 

I have seen people beat on the seals with chisels and hammers, which is stupid.  Sliding hammers work well on these seals.

 

And yes, you are right, sometimes you need to use a sliding hammer in a gentle manner when removing some axles.  For example, my 67 T-bird axles are not held in by c clips, but have a plate that bolts up to the brake shoe backing plate.  The axle is held in place by the friction of the axle bearing pressed onto the axle shaft and its locking collar.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I misunderstood, I thought he was talking about axle removal. You bet, a puller with inside jaws would be great to get the seal out.

 

Ken