Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual

Page: 238 / 625

REAR AXLE
CONTENTS
Subject Page No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Rear Axle Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
DIAGNOSIS:
Rear Axle Trouble Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation of Rear Axle Assembly
Removal and Installation of Axle Shaft Assembly
Disassembly and Assembly of Differential
. . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS:
Differential Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR AXLE DESCRIPTION
The Opel rear axle is a semi-floating type that carries
car weight through the axle shafts by way of ball
bearings which are located on the outer ends of each
axle shaft. The rear axle assembly is attached to the
under body by way of the shock absorbers, track rod,
central joint support, and lower control arms. A sta-
bilizer rod is used on all Wagons, as well as Fast
Backs and Sedans. The GT is not equipped with a
stabilizer rod. The rear springs have a progressive
spring rate which is attained by a gradual reduction
of coil thickness. The springs are arranged between
the spring seats welded onto the rear axle tubes and
the under body side members. The upper and lower
ends are seated in profiled rubber dampening rings.
The differential housing is a malleable iron casting
with tubular axle housings pressed into the sides to
form a complete assembly. An oil
feed
passage to the
pinion bearings and an oil return hole are provided
to allow lubricant to circulate. A removable steel
cover is bolted on the rear of the differential housing
to permit service of the differential without removing
the rear axle assembly from the vehicle. A breather
fitting is located on top of the right axle tube.
Within the differential carrier, the differential case is
supported
by
two tapered roller side bearings. These
side bearings are by shims located between
the bearing inner races and differential case. During
installation, varying the shim thickness from side to
side also determines the ring gear to pinion backlash.
The differential case houses two side gears meshed
with two pinions. The pinions and side gears are
backed by thrust washers. The pinion gears are held
in place by a pinion shaft which is anchored in the
differential case by a lock pin.
The inner end of the axle shafts engage and extend
through the
of the side gears with a floating
tit.
The axle shafts have an enlarged diameter from
shaft to the flange end.
A ball bearing and oil seal are used on all models, and
are pressed onto the outer end of the axle shaft as an
assembly.
The drive pinion is mounted in two roller bearings in
the rear axle housing. Pinion setting is established by
shims located between the differential carrier and the
bearing outer race.