52 rear axle wheel seals

[LONG]

question about removing C clips. there does not appear to be room to pop the clip out? do i need to remove cross shaft with block and the spider gears? will this allow tha axle to slide in to get the clip out? I just need to remove the axles to install new seals.

[raycow]

do i need to remove cross shaft with block and the spider gears?

You just need to take out the shaft and spacer block, not the gears. Turn the differential case until you can see the locking bolt for the shaft. If you have ever worked on a C-clip Chevy rear, the Buick comes apart the same way.

Ray

[JR9162]

Be aware that after you remove the locking pin (screwed in shaft) and spacer block, push in the axle shafts, knock out the C-clips, the spider gears and/or their brass cups may slip around inside the carrier after the axles are removed. That's not a big deal, you can simply slide them back into proper location with your fingers while reinstalling the axle shafts. I'd just ensure the LH brass cup remains mated to the LH spider gear - same with the RH brass cup and spider gear.

[telriv]

May I make a suggestion. Once you have pushed in the axles to remove the C-Clips & partially backed out the axles, re-install the block & pin to keep everything lined up. Now you don't have to worry about the spider gears or cupped washers as they cannot move out of place. They can be a kinda a pain to get lined up again. Remove the axles, replace the seals. Install the axles up to the block/pin, then remove the pin & shaft. Install the C-Clips & shaft & pin.
DONE


Tom T.

[JR9162]

May I make a suggestion. Once you have pushed in the axles to remove the C-Clips & partially backed out the axles, re-install the block & pin to keep everything lined up. Now you don't have to worry about the spider gears or cupped washers as they cannot move out of place. They can be a kinda a pain to get lined up again. Remove the axles, replace the seals. Install the axles up to the block/pin, then remove the pin & shaft. Install the C-Clips & shaft & pin.
DONE


Tom T.

Yup. Or learn the hard way.

[LONG]

thanks. I have not been back out to look at it. I had removed the lock pin and tried to slide out the shaft.....no luck. will revisit when time allows.

[LONG]

spider shaft is stuck in there pretty good. must be a groovecut in it and is getting stuck on the lip. I can only move the shaft 1/4". hitting with a 2lb hammer and punch. if I mes it up at least I have a spare in my 50 super. or it'll get my malibu drivetrain.

[raycow]

First, completely remove the lockscrew if you haven't already done so. Have you tried rotating the differential case a half turn and driving out the pin in the opposite direction?

Ray

[LONG]

lock pin is out. hammer both ways with a mini sledge. looks to me like the pin bolt is only half there which may explain what is hanging up. might have worn where the spiders are. I can move the shaft 1/4" both ways. and I can see where the hole is through the shaft and that there is a piece stuck in it. the piece in the shaft does rotate. I am going to pull the cover off my 50 and see if the ratio is the same and how long the lock bolt should be. might be swapping diffs.

[LONG]

so, it is ZERO DEGREES here and there is a snow drift all around my 1950. anyone know if a 1950 super 4 door Dflow has the same ratio as a 1952 special dflow?