Re: Rear axles

Posted by DavidPackard On 2024/1/23 17:12:18

Assuming the brake backing plates have been removed the only impediment in removing the axle is the drag between the axle housing and the bearing cup. Packard controlled that fit to have only a few tenths tight or a few tenths loose, so a few taps with a slide hammer should do the trick. In the ‘Literature Archive’ section of this site there are several shop manuals that cover the details. Since you’re changing the bearings be mindful of shimming the bearing clearance. The ‘as disassembled’ configuration may not correct with the new parts. An item that is not in the shop manuals is the ‘tribal wisdom’ of checking the axle nut torque after using the car for about 100 miles. Because of the possibility of the thrust block to rotate, I would advise the removal of one axle at a time (see the ’54 shop manual).
dp