Hudson 1955 Rambler, Technical & Service Manual

Page: 203 / 292

Inspecting Axle Shafts
Install a differential side gear on the
spline of the rear axle shaft and place the
shaft between lathe or similar type centers.
Use an accurate dial indicator and check
the run out at the center of the finished
surface of the side gear hub. This run out
should not exceed a total of .007" (Fig. 8).
Then using the dial indicator, check the
run out at the machined surface adjacent to
the bearing. This should not exceed .003"
(Fig. 9).
FIGURE 8— Check the Axle Shaft Inner End
for Run Out
FIGURE 9— Check the Axle Shaft Outer End
for Run Out
Inspecting the Axle Housing
A bent axle or housing may put an excessive strain
on axle parts and make the axle noisy. It is,
therefore, important to inspect the axle housing
for straightness.
Place two straight-edges across the flanges of
the housing and measure the distances between
their ends (Fig. 10). If the straight-edges are
parallel within %2" at a distance of 11" from the
tube center, the housing is serviceable. Make
this inspection two ways - rizontally and vert
FIGURE 10—Inspecting Rear Axle Housing for
a Bent or Sagged Condition. Dimensions "A"
and "B" Should be Equal Within 3/32"
FIGURE 10— Inspecting Rear Axle Housing for
a Bent or Sagged Condition. Dimensions "A"
and "B" Should be Equal Within 3/32"
Differential Removal
Remove the differential cover bolts. Note the
ratio tag which is held on by one of these bolts
and reinstall it at time of assembly.
Before removing the differential from the
housing, mark the bearing caps with a center punch
to insure reassembling in exactly the same
positions.
Two bars inserted in the differential (Fig.
11) and pried against the housing will lift the
assembly out of the housing. Care should be taken
to prevent damaging the bearing cups, rollers.
and shims.
FIGURE 11— Prying the Differential Out of
the Axle Housing
REAR AXLE - PROPELLER SHAFT 5