Looks like we need to do this on my sons 70. How do you change the rear axle seal? I'm sure the axle needs to come out to accomplish this how is that done? TIA Pete

Remove the brake drum if possible. Remove the cover over the differential. Unscrew the bolt that retains the differential pinion shaft. Slide out that shaft and push the axle inward until the C-clip falls out. Pull out the axle shaft and you now have access to the seal. Remove the seal and put in a new one if the axle shaft is ok. By "ok" I mean if there is no wear or roughness of the surface where the axle bearing runs on the shaft. If there is, then a replacement shaft and bearing are in order, OR install an "axle saver" bearing with the old axle shaft.

Once you have the axle out you can use the end of the axle to pry out the seal. Works well!

careful you don't turn the carrier with the pinion shaft out.
as you may lose the thrust washers the are behind the pinion gears.

david

If you download "Chevy Punch" online magazine #3 it has a very well written and illustrated article on 12 bolts. This will give you all the info, it's free.

Click on the link above.

I had to do this a couple of months ago on my 70. Piece of cake. Just like JWagner said.

careful you don't turn the carrier with the pinion shaft out.
as you may lose the thrust washers the are behind the pinion gears.

YES...very important!! :thumbsup:
And if the seal area on the axle has wear, you can install an "axle saver" bearing which includes the seal.

OK...dumb question...how do you know the axle seal "needs to be done"?:confused:

The presence of axle oil on the brakes (or on the driveway) is a tip-off that seals need to be replaced.

Thanks! I had a pinion seal go bad with those syptoms, but didn't know the same scenario would apply in this area as well.

OK...dumb question...how do you know the axle seal "needs to be done"?:confused:

I found out when I pulled off the drum to change my brakes. Gear oil all over everything.

this thread is a good example of what's good and bad about the internet..
it's good, because it gives the "newbies" good info to keep them from being scared about doing something simple like this.
it's bad because they don't get to have the fun of learning how to do things the way we did before the internet- by taking things apart and getting your hair soaked in old gear oil and a million little cuts and abrasions on your fingers trying to figure out how to get those damn spider gears to go back in and line back up after they fall out when you turn the pinion with the cross pin out..

Axles, seals and bearings have been changed. Once again THANKS TC and it's members for your advice and guidance. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again TC is the best :thumbsup:. Pete

this thread is a good example of what's good and bad about the internet..
it's good, because it gives the "newbies" good info to keep them from being scared about doing something simple like this.
it's bad because they don't get to have the fun of learning how to do things the way we did before the internet- by taking things apart and getting your hair soaked in old gear oil and a million little cuts and abrasions on your fingers trying to figure out how to get those damn spider gears to go back in and line back up after they fall out when you turn the pinion with the cross pin out..

Derrik, I've learned from the school of hard knocks as you have stated and have many scars and currently grease stained, but clean, hands(my patients have learned to expect that from me) to prove it. With AGE I have learned to research for information, plan my attack and proceed on. It's lessened some of the inevitable scarring and made tasks more managable. What better place to arm oneself with chevelle or almost any car information and advice than TC. Pete