LUBRICATION 0-20
3-SPEED
4—SPEED
AUTOMATIC
LUBRICATE EVERY 6000 MILES
LUBRICATE EVERY 12000 MILES
LUBRICATE EVERY 36000 MILES
*
Refill
positraction rear axle with
special lubricant only.
GL -GEAR LUBRICANT*
WB-WHEEL BEARING LUBRICANT
(WHENEVER BRAKES
ARE
SERVICED)
CL -CHASSIS LUBRICANT
CO-ENGINE
Oil;
AT -AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (TYPE
A)
BF -BRAKE FLUID
Fig.
35—Lubricafion Diagram—Camaro
1.
Front Suspension
2.
Steering Linkage
3. Steering Gear
4.
Air Cleaner
5. Crankcase Breathe Cap
6. Front Wheel Bearings
7. Transmission
8. Rear Axle
9. Oil Filter
10.
Battery,
11.
Parking Brake
12.
Brake Master Cylinder
BODY LUBRICATION
See Body Service Manual
for
Body Lubrication,
cept Corvette)
(Ex-
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
LUBRICATION
0-21
6
3-SPEED
4-SPEED
AUTOMATIC
10
LUBRICATE EVERY 6,000 MILES GL -Multi-purpose
or
Universal Gear Lubrincant*
-(V LUBRICATE EVERY 12,000 MILES WB-Wheel Bearing Lubricant
V/^ (Whenever Brakes
are
serviced)
AT —Automatic Transmission Fluid (Type)
BF -Brake Fluid
a
LUBRICATE EVERY 36,000 MILES
* Refill Positraction Rear Axle with
Special Lubricant Only.
CL -Chassis Lubricant
EO—Engine
Oil
Fig.
36—Lubrication Diagram—Corvette
1.
Front Suspension
2.
Steering Linkage
3. Steering Gear
4.
Air
Cleaner
5. Front Wheel
Bearings
6. Transmission
7. Rear Axle
8.
Oil
Filter
9. Battery
10.
Parking Brake
11.
Brake Master Cylinder
BODY LUBRICATION POINTS (CORVETTE)
Lubricate the following items when possible.
Hood Latch Mechanism and Hinges --Apply light engine oil
to pivot points. Don't oil lock pins or catch plates.
i
Rear Compartment Lid Release and Hinges --Apply light
engine
oil.
Side Door Hinge Pins—Apply light engine oil.
Door Lock Rotor and Striker Plate—Apply light engine oil or
stainless stick lubricant.
Lock Cylinders—Lubricate with powdered graphite.
Window Regulators and Controls and Door Lock Remote
Link —Apply light engine
oil.
Gas Tank Filler Cap Hinge—Apply light engine oil.
Weatherstrips and Rubber Bumpers —Coat lightly with
a
rubber lubricant.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
SECTION 2
FRAME
INDEX
Page
General Description 2-1
Chevrolet 2-1
Cheveile '. 2-1
Repair Procedures 2-1
Page
Checking Frame Alignment 2-1
Car Preparation 2-1
Tramming Sequence 2-1
Reference Point Dimensions 2-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
CHEVROLET AND CHEVELLE
Frames used on Chevrolet and Cheveile lines are basi-
cally the same, consisting of full length right and left
side members joined laterally by crossmembers. Sev-
eral different frames are used in each line to meet the
various vehicle size and function requirements but the
basic shape for each line remains the same. Differences
between frames in a given line exist only in metal gauge,
part size and numbers of parts necessary to meet the
particular structural requirements of the models
involved.
CORVETTE
The Corvette frame is a rigid perimeter unit, with five
crossmembers. From the rear kick-up forward, trap-
azoidal shaped, closed side members outline and protect
the passenger compartment. At the cowl area, the side
members curve inward in a sweeping "S" shape, to pro-
vide a sturdy foundation for the engine mounts and clear-
ance for front wheel movement. From the kick-up
rearward, box-sectioned side rails provide fore and aft
support for the rear axle and suspension. Lateral sup-
port is provided by five variously shaped welded-in
crossmembers, including the front unit, which formerly
was bolted-in.
CHEVY II AND CAMARO
Underbody alignment checking procedures will be found
in the Body Service Manual.
REPAIR PROCEDURES
CHECKING FRAME ALIGNMENT
Vehicles involved in an accident of any nature which
might result in a "swayed" or "sprung" frame should
always be checked for proper frame alingment in addi-
tion to steering geometry and wheel alignment.
CAR PREPARATION
Preparing the car for the frame alignment check in-
volves the following:
1.
Place the car on level surface.
2.
The weight of the car should be supported at the
wheel locations.
3.
A visual damage inspection should be made to elim-
inate needless measuring. Obviously damaged or
misaligned areas can often be located by sight.
TRAMMING SEQUENCE
When checking a frame for alignment in case of dam-
age,
the first step is horizontal "X" checking with a
tram from similar given points on opposite side of the
frame.
Frame alignment checks on all models should be made
with the tram points set at the center of each locating
point indicated and the cross bar level to insure
accuracy.
When "X" checking any section of the frame, the
measurements should agree within 3/16". If they do not,
it means that corrections will have to be made.
If a tram gauge is not available, the "plumb bob"
method of checking may be used. To assure any degree
of accuracy when using this method, the vehicle should
be on a level floor.
By using this method, it is only necessary to have a
#
piece of cord attached to an ordinary surveyor's plumb
bob.
When measuring the distance between two points,
the free end of the cord should be placed on the reference
point allowing the plumb bob to hang on the floor. A check
mark should be made on the floor just under the tip of
the plumb bob. This operation should be repeated at all
reference points. With these points located on the floor,
they may easily be measured with a rule.
The second step is checking the vertical dimensions
from the datum plane to the points to be trammed. With
the proper settings the tram bar will be on a plane
parallel to that of the frame. The exception to this would '
be when one of the reference locations is included in the
misaligned area; then the parallel plane between the
frame and the tram bar may not prevail. After com-
pletion of the repairs, the tram gauge should be set at
the specified dimension to check the accuracy of the re-
pair operation.
ALIGNMENT REFERENCE POINT DIMENSIONS
Dimensions to holes are measured to dead center of
the holes and flush to the adjacent surface metal.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
SECTION
4
REAR SUSPENSION
AND
DRIVE LINE
CONTENTS
OF
THIS SECTION
Page
Rear Suspension
4-1
Drive Line.
. 4-26
Rear Axle ......
4-26
Propeller Shaft
and
Universal Joints
Special Tools
4-37
4-43
REAR SUSPENSION
INDEX
General Description
4-1
Chevrolet
4-1
Chevelle
4-1
Chevy
n and
Camaro
. . . . . 4-2
Corvette
. . . . . . 4-3
Maintenance
and
Adjustments ...............
4-4
Riding Height Check (Chevrolet, Camaro,
Chevelle
and
Chevy
II) 4-5
Wheel Alignment (Corvette)
4-5
Wheel Bearing Adjustment (Corvette)
4-6
Component Parts Replacement (Chevrolet, Camaro,
Chevelle
and
Chevy
JJ) 4-7
Coil Spring
4-7
Chevrolet
4-7
Removal
4-7
Installation
4-7
Chevelle
4-8
Removal
4-8
4-8
Installation
.
Leaf Spring, Spring Seat Pads, Spring
Eye
Bushings
4-9
Chevy
H 4-9
Removal
4-9
Installation
4-9
Camaro
4-10
Removal
4-10
Installation
4-11
Shock Absorber
4-11
Chevrolet
and
Chevelle
. 4-11
Removal
4-11
Installation
. . 4-12
Chevy
II 4-12
Removal
4-12
Installation
4-rl2
Camaro
4-12
Removal
. 4-12
Installation
4-12
Control
Arm . . 4-12
Chevrolet Upper
4-12
Removal
. 4-12
Page
Bushing Replacement
. 4-13
Installation
4-14
Chevrolet Lower
4-14
Removal
4-14
Bushing Replacement
4-14
Installation
. 4-15
Chevelle Upper
and
Lower.
. 4-15
Removal
4-15
Bushing Replacement
4-15
Installation
4-17
Rear Suspension
Tie Rod
(Chevrolet)
. . .
......
. . . 4-17
Removal
4-17
Bushing Replacement
4-17
Installation
4-17
Component Parts Replacement (Corvette)
. . 4-17
Wheel Spindle
and
Support
4-17
Removal
4-17
Repairs
', . 4-17
Installation
4-18
Differential Carrier Support Bracket Replacement.
. 4-20
Shock Absorber
4-20
Removal
4-20
Installation
* .... 4-20
Strut
Rod and
Bracket
4-20
Removal
4-20
Repairs
4-21
Installation
4-21
Spring
4-21
Removal
4-21
Repairs
4-22
Installation
4-22
Torque Control
Arm 4-23
Removal
4-23
Repairs
. 4-23
Installation
4-24
Suspension Crossmember
4-24
Removal
4-24
Repairs—Isolation Mount
4-25
Installation
4-25
Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
4-25
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
CHEVROLET
The link type rear suspension (fig. 1) has two lower
control arms which maintain proper axle to frame re-
lationship and also take the acceleration, drive and
braking forces. A single upper control arm on light-
duty models (or two upper control arms on heavy-duty
models and all station wagons) limits axle rotation when
drive, acceleration or braking forces are applied. Lateral
movement of the axle is restricted by the axle-to-frame
tie rod. Two full coil springs and two direct, double
acting shock absorbers are provided for additional ride
control.
CHEVELLE
The rear suspension (fig. 2) is of the four-link design
utilizing axle mounted, full coil springs and direct,
double-acting shock absorbers.
Two rubber-bushed lower control arms, stretching
slightly outboard from axle-mounted brackets to frame
side member mounted brackets, maintain fore and aft
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-2
SHOCK ABSORBER
UPPER ATTACHMENT
COIL SPRING
\
R.H. UPPER
CONTROL ARM
LH.
UPPER
CONTROL ARM
(HEAVY DUTY AND
STATION WAGON)
TIE ROD
ATTACHMENT
SHOCK ABSORBER
LOWER ATTACHMENT
LOWER
CONTROL ARM
Fig.
1—Chevrolet Rear Suspension Components
relationship of the axle assembly to the vehicle proper.
These lower control arm axle brackets also mount the
axle rebound bumpers and provide for lower attachment
of the shock absorber. Upper attachment of the shock
absorber is a platform mount to the rear of the coil
spring frame bracket. The coil springs are pigtailed
at both ends; the upper end is isolated from the frame
seat by a rubber insulator, while the lower end seats
on the axle mounted spring bracket which has a vertical
flange to retain the spring.
Sideways movement of the axle assembly is controlled
by two angularly mounted, rubber-bushed upper control
arms.
Projecting ears, cast as part of the differential
carrier, provide for rear attachment and frame cross-
member mounted brackets retain them at the forward
end.
CHEVY 11 AND CAMARO
The.Chevy n and Camaro rear suspension (fig. 3 and
fig.
4) consists of two uniformly stressed rear springs
and two shock absorbers mounted to the spring lower
seats.
The
.
springs are rubber mounted at both axle
and frame attaching points, thus insuring uniform spring
loading, minimizing transmittal of road vibration to
passenger compartment, and providing a pivot point to
•MMMi
MMM—Hi—1—1——1——1MMMMiM_
[•?{aw-i
'
"'
i
\ SHOCK^^BBB^^B(^^CO1L
ABSORBER ^HH^ SPRING
g^8^"
_ LOWER
feSfcto^
CONTROL
ARM
Fig.
2—Chevelle Rear Suspension Components
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
REAR SUSPENSION
AND
DRIVE LINE
4-3
AXLE ASSEMBLY
LEAF SPRING
SPRING REAR SHACKLE
SHOCK ABSORBER
Fig.
3—Chevy
II
Rear Suspension Components
absorb axle "wind-up.
The
springs
are
positioned
to
the*
axle spring seats
by
locating pins butt welded
to
the
spring
leaf.
CORVETTE
The Corvette independent three-link type rear
sus-
pension consists
of a
fixed differential carrier which
is
SPRING REAR SHACKLE
LEAF SPRING
SHOCK ABSORBER
SPRING FRONT MOUNT
Fig.
4—Comoro Rear Suspension Components
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE
4-4
PROPELLER SHAFT
CARRIER FRONT SUPPORT
CAMBER CAM CONTROL ARM
Fig. 5—Corvette Rear Suspension and Driveline Components
rubber mounted to the frame at three points, with the .
strut rods, drive shafts and torque control arms forming
the three links at each wheel, and a transversely mounted
multi-leaf spring (fig. 5).
The bbx section trailing torque control arms are
mounted at the forward end into frame side member
openings through pivot bolts and rubber bushings, and
extend rearward to connect to the leaf spring. The
wheel spindles and spindle supports are attached to the
torque arms through four bolts pressed into the arm.
Rear wheel toe-in angle is adjusted through the use of
variable thickness shims inserted between the torque
arm and the frame side member web at the forward
pivoting joint.
The rear wheel spindles are driven through double
"U"
jointed, tubular driveshafts which are flange mount-
ed to a splined spindle flange at their outboard end and
bolted to the differential side gear yokes at their in-
board end. Wheel spindle support houses the inner and
outer tapered roller bearings, two to each wheel. Bear-
ing adjustment is made through the use of a spacer and
variable thickness shims between the bearings.
The spindle supports also incorporate integrally
forged, fork-shaped mounting brackets to accept the
outer ends of the rubber-bushed strut rods. The strut
rods are mounted laterally from the spindle support to
a bracket bolted to the lower surface of the axle car-
rier. The strut rod connection at this point is with an
eccentric cam arrangement and provides for rear wheel
camber adjustment.
The direct, double-acting shock absorbers are at-
tached at the upper eye to a frame bracket and at the
lower eye to the strut rod mounting shaft which incor-
porates a threaded stud for. the shock absorber lower
eye.
The transversely mounted multi-leaf spring is clamp
bolted at the center section to a lower mounting surface
on the differential carrier cover. The outer ends of the
main leaf are provided with a hole through which the
spring is link bolted to the rear of the torque control
arms.
The spring assembly is provided with full length
liners.
An optionally available stabilizer shaft attaches to the
upper rear section of the torque arms, and stretches
rearward where it is connected to the frame by two
rubber-bushed mounting brackets.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Periodic maintenance and adjustments are not required
for the rear suspension components. The suspension
system should be checked for shock absorber action,
condition of suspension bushings, tightness of suspension
attaching bolts and an overall visual inspection of com-
ponents for defects.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-5
Fig.
6—Measuring Rear Riding Height (Chevrolet and Chevelle)
RIDING HEIGHT CHECK
(Chevrolet, Chevelle Camaro and Chevy II)
In case of vehicle riding height complaints, a spring
height check will show if the rear suspension is at the
right height.
1.
Position car on smooth level floor.
2.
Vehicle must be at curb weight (full gas tank, no
passengers, spare and jack in trunk). Car should be
raised up a few times to allow suspension to settle
with car weight to eliminate friction at arm pivots.
3.
On Chevrolet and Chevelle models, measure riding
Fig.
8—Measuring Rear Riding Height (Camaro)
height as the distance from the top of the axle hous-
ing to frame kick-up (fig. 6).
4.
On Chevy II models, measure riding height as the
distance from lower surface of bumper support
bracket to top of axle housing (fig. 7).
5.
On Camaro models measure riding height as the
distance from jounce bumper upper attaching bolt to
top of axle housing (fig. 8).
6. Riding heights vary between models* Refer to speci-
fications section for vehicle and model application.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (CORVETTE)
Camber
Wheel camber angle is obtained by adjusting the eccen-
tric cam and bolt assembly located at the inboard mount-
ing of the strut rod (fig. 9). Place rear wheels on
alignment machine and determine camber angle. To
adjust, loosen cam bolt nut and rotate cam and bolt as-
sembly until specified camber is reached. Tighten nut
securely and torque to specifications.
Fig.
7—Rear Riding Height (Chevy II)
Fig.
9—Ad
justing
Rear Wheel Camber (Corvette)
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL