60 Rear Axle Failure

[RiverPatrol]

[Slackd]

I’m off to an ok start. Both axle shafts removed from donor axle. I think they look ok. New oil seals and Koyo bearings ordered.

Do I need a special tool to remove the axle nut? If yes, any idea where I can find one? Also, tips for removing and installing new oil seals?

Thanks
Dave

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[RiverPatrol]

The common tool to remove the axle nut is usually a chisel. Get it angled onto one of the locks and hammer it the direction to unscrew. NOTE - the axle nut may be reverse threaded or left hand threaded! They changed that around '67 and went to right hand thread. So you might be beating and beating in one direction and only tightening the nut.

[Slackd]

Success! Thanks to you guys I successfully removed locking nut, bearing and bearing cage from both axle shafts. Right hand threads, chisel method, just a few curse words. Interestingly, the long shaft was missing the spacer below the bearing. I’ll be able to use one from my broken shaft, but I’m surprised the axle shaft would line up correctly without the spacer in place. Weird.

Now I need to remove the bearing cup and outer oil seal from the bearing cage.

Thanks again.
Dave

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[Slackd]

I think I found the problem….

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[RiverPatrol]

Congratulations!

That’s an odd place for a failure. It looks as though the axle shaft might have been rubbing on the housing. Is it possible that it was bent?

[Slackd]

Hey River. The broken shaft does not show any signs that it was bent, or rubbing against the the axle housing. There is a blue coloration about 8” from the bearing. At this point I’m glad to be making progress and I haven’t been stumped with a problem I can’t overcome.

A few questions… (of course)

-any tips or tricks in removing and installing inner and outer oil seals?
-any recommendations on bearing grease?

I’m assuming I can hammer down the new bearings into the bearing cage. What am I missing? I would hate to screw this up as I’m heading to the end.

Thanks for all your help.
Dave

[RiverPatrol]

As I recall having a press was a handy tool.

Probably a bearing failure then. It just weakened the axle that far out.

[Slackd]

So today I was able to remove the last axle bearing nut (4 for 4), two from my donor axle and two from the existing axle. This was a challenge as it was left hand threaded! All other axles nuts were right hand. Oh boy. I still haven’t been able to pull the bearings off, important because I need one more axle spacer before I press the bearings on. What a strange trip it’s been.

But I’m getting there….maybe.

Dave

[Slackd]

After getting all four axle shafts free from bearings, sadly, I only have one axle spacer.

I’ve read through posts where someone had them made, or were able to find suitable washers that could fill in.

Any guidance appreciated.

Thanks
Dave