1956 AMC Hudson Technical Service Manual Supplement

REAR AXLE 109
REAR AXLE
The rear axle assembly (Spicer type) disassembly and assembly
procedures are similar to those outlined in the 1955
Technical Service Manual. Variations in procedures and
adjustments are outlined as follows:
Install axle housing spreader J-5231 in place on housing
making sure tool hold-down clamp screws are tight. Mount
dial indicator as shown in Figure 2.
DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY AND DRIVE
PINION REMOVAL
Place axle assembly in suitable stands to facilitate overhaul.
Thoroughly clean assembly, removing all dirt and accumulated
grease. Note metal tag denoting axle ratio under one
of the cover screws. This tag should be reinstalled after
assembly is overhauled.
An axle flushing solution can be used in the axle to
degrease the parts before the actual disassembly is started.
This practice will save time during disassembly as the parts
will be free from lubricant and may be handled and inspected
easily.
Remove carrier cover and gasket.
Before further disassembly, check the ring gear back face
for runout. Mount a dial indicator as shown in Figure 1 and
slowly turn the rear axle drive pinion. Total indicator reading
in excess of .006" might indicate loose ring gear, sprung
case, or nicks and burrs between ring gear and flange.
FIGURE 2—Spread Housing to Remove
Differential Carrier Assembly
The axle assembly must be free in stands or holding
fixture when housing is being spread. Spread housing .020"
maximum indicator reading. Do not exceed this limit as it
will result in permanent damage. It is necessary to spread
the housing for removal or installation of the differential as
the differential bearings have an initial preload of from
.005" to .009".
Remove indicator fixture. Remove the differential assembly
by prying upward and outward with two large screw
drivers or pry bars.
Remove bearing cups from side bearing; if cups or cones
are not damaged or excessively worn, be sure mating parts
are kept together for proper reassembly.
FIGURE l—Check Ring Gear Runout
A .003" feeler should not enter between differential bearing
cap and cup. If the feeler does enter, it could denote the
differential bearing cup had turned in the carrier.
Remove differential bearing caps. Note matching marks
on carrier flange and differential bearing caps (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Both caps and each side of housing are
stamped with an identifying number or letter. On
one side, the markings will be parallel with each
other; on the opposite side, they will be vertical to
each other.
Differential Side Bearing Removal
Bearing puller J-2497 is used to remove side bearing cones
from the differential case. When using this tool, be sure it
pulls on the bearing cone in such a manner that the rollers
are free. Recesses are cast in the carrier case to allow the
tool to bear on the cone.
NOTE: -11 ring gear and pinion are to be reassembled,
note position of shims and replace accordingly.
Ring Gear Removal
Remove the cap screws that attach the ring gear to the