1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO rear axle

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-15

ship of parts, then install Spacer J-
7574-
3 over

the partially installed bushing and between the

sides of the control arm.

f. Continue to tighten J-
21058-
8
until bushing is

pulled flush against control arm. Do not exert

undue force against control arm after bushing is

installed. Overtightening of J-21058-
8
will cause

damage to walls of control arm.

g. Disassemble tools and inspect bushing for proper

installation.

Replace the rear bushing as follows:

a. Position Puller Screw J-21058-8 through Re-

mover Adapter J-21830-2 so that head of screw

is opposite button end of remover. Install this

assembly, threaded end of sc'rew first, through

bushing to be removed.

b.
Install Receiver J-21830-4 and Bridge J-21830-7

. over screw and against control arm. Position

thrust bearing against J-21830-7 and screw

J-21058-8 snugly against bearing. Install Spacer

J-
2183d-
3
between sides of control arm and over

bushing.

c. Check tool installation for proper alignment and

tighten J-21058-8 to withdraw bushing from con-

trol arm. Refer to Figure 35 for installed view

of tools.

d. Disassemble tools and position Installer Adapter

J-21830-2 on flanged end of new bushing. Posi-

tion bushing in control arm making sure of cor-

rect installation. Small end of bushing will pass

through one side of arm without any interference.

e. Install J-21830-4, J-21830-7, thrust bearing and

J-21058-8 on threaded end of J-21058-15 as

shown in Figure 36. Tighten J-21058 to main-

tain proper relationship of parts; then position

Spacer J- 21830- 3 over bushing and between sides

of control arm.

f. Tighten J-21058-8 until bushing is fully seated
J-21058-8 J-21830-7 J-21830-4 J-21830-3 J-21830-2

\

J-2K

X
D58-8
J-218
30-7

IP

•he?

21830-4
J-21830-2

JfSir

J-21830-3

Fig.
35—Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Removal

(Chevrolet)
Fig.
36—Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Installation

(Chevrolet)

against side of control arm. Do not apply undue

pressure to J-21058 after bushing is seated--to

do so may cause permanent distortion to control

arm.

g. Disassemble tools and check bushing for proper

installation.

Installation

NOTE:
Make sure control arm is reinstalled

in proper forward attaching position. Reinstall

in same hole as noted during removal. Top

attaching hole is used for all installations except

station wagons and heavy-duty suspension (RPO

F41).
Opposite arm must be installed in cor-

responding position.

1.
Position the control arm between the mounting

brackets and loosely install the pivot bolt retaining

nuts in the proper position.

2.
Install spring and shock absorber as outlined in this

section.

3.
Lower vehicle so that weight is placed on sus-

pension components and torque all affected parts to

specifications.

Chevelle Upper and Lower

Removal

NOTE:
If both upper control arms and both

lower control arms are to be removed at the

same time, remove both coil springs as outlined

under "Coil Spring Removal".

1.
Raise vehicle to a height that will allow axle assem-

bly to hand freely and position supports under both

frame side rails.

2.
Support axle assembly with an adjustable lifting de-

vice and raise rear axle assembly until tension is

relieved in control arm being removed.

3.
Disconnect control arm at forward and rearward

attaching points and remove from vehicle.

Bushing Replacement

The upper arm front bushing and carrier ear bushings

are of the same part number and are interchangeable.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-17

Fig.
41—Carrier Mounted Suspension Bushing Removal

(Heavy-Duty) (Chevelle)

c. Turn Nut J-21058-8 to remove bushing from

carrier ear, making sure Remover Adapter

J-21474-2 is centered and will clear hole in

carrier ear.

d. Disassemble puller tools and position Installer

Adapter J-
21474-
2 on flanged end of bushing.

Install Puller Screw J-21058-15 through receiver

so that screw head is seated against receiver.

Position this assembly through inboard side of

carrier ear.

e. Position bushing and Installer Adapter J-21474-2

onto puller.screw with small end of bushing to-

ward carrier ear. Refer to Figure 40 for in-

stalled view of tools.

f. Install Thrust Bearing and Nut J-21058-8 onto

puller screw. Turn nut to pull bushing into car-

rier ear. Check position of bushing when install-

ing to make sure bushing is properly aligned.
b.

c.

d.
Fig.
43—Upper and Lower Control Arm Assembly

(Chevelle)

Heavy-Duty
Carrier

a. Install a 1/2 x 20 nut on Puller Screw J-21058-15,

install thrust bearing against nut. Position puller

screw through Bridge and Receiver J-21830-4

and 7.

Position puller screw through flanged end of

bushing then install Remover Adapter J-21991

on threaded end of puller screw.

Align tools on carrier ear and center remover

adapter on bushing. Hold head of puller screw

and turn 1/2 x 20 nut to withdraw bushing from

carrier ear. Refer to Figure 41 for installed

view of removal tools.

Position Installer J-21474-2 on flanged end of

new bushing and install Driver Handle J-7079-2

to opposite end of installer.

e. Position bushing in carrier ear and drive bush-

ing until it seats against carrier. Bushing is

properly seated when shoulder on bushing con-

tacts carrier. Refer to Figure 42 for installation.

NOTE:
Do not attempt to seat flange of bush-

ing against ear of carrier. Bushing is properly

installed when shoulder on bushing seats against

chamfer on carrier ear.

Installation

1.
Place control arm into position between the forward

and rearward mounting brackets and install retaining

bolts.
Refer to Figure 43 for installation view of

control arms.

Support vehicle at axle and remove supports from

beneath the frame side rails.

Install lock washer and nut to retaining bolts and
2.

3.

torque to specifications.

Fig.
42—Carrier Mounted Suspension Bushing Installation

(Heavy-Duty) (Chevelle)
REAR SUSPENSION TIE ROD-CHEVROLET

Removal

1.
Remove the nut, washer and bolt from the leftside

and the nut and washer from the stud on the right

side that secure the tie rod to the brackets (fig. 44).

Withdraw the rod from under the vehicle. An ex-

ternal shell service bushing is available for left side

on all models and both right and left on station

wagons.

NOTE:
The above operations need not be per-

formed on a hoist. However, to provide ample

working space, the use of a hoist or proper jack

stand is recommended.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-18

ig.
44—Rear Suspension Tie Rod Attaching Points (Chevrolet)

Bushing
Replacement

The following bushing removal procedure is effective

for both ends of the tie rod used on station wagons and

the left end of the tie rod used on all models except

station wagons.

1,
With tie rod bushing centered over Tool J-7877-2

and with tie rod supported horizontally, press or

drive bushing from rod, using Tools J-7877-1 and

J-7079-2 as shown in Figure 45.

2.
With tie rod centered over Tool J-7877-2 and rod

supported horizontally, press or drive bushing into

arm using Tools J-7877-3 and J-7079-2 as shown

in Figure 45. Tool J-7877-3 should bottom on tie

rod when bushing is fully installed.
fig.
45—Tie Rod Bushing Replacement (Chevrolet)

Installation

1.
Mount the tie rod to the axle bracket stud. Install

nut and special washer but do not tighten.

NOTE:
On the tie rod used on all models except

station wagons, place flanged portion of bushing

against attaching bracket.

2.
Install the bolt, lock washer and nut to the frame

bracket (fig. 44). Do not tighten.

NOTE:
Bolt may be installed from either

direction.

3.
Lower vehicle to floor (if raised) and bounce rear

end several times to settle bushings. Tighten af-

fected parts to specifications.

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT (CORVETTE)

WHEEL SPINDLE AND SUPPORT (Fig. 46)

Removal

Hemdve wheel drive spindle as outlined previously in

this section under "Wheel Bearing Adjustment".

Repairs

Out of 3/8" square steel bar stock, make bearing

removers and use as shown in Figure 47.

After removing deflector, spindle inner grease seal

and inner bearing race, bearing cups may be re-

moved while spindle support is still mounted to the

torque arm, by inserting remover tool and tapping

cup out. New bearing cups are installed using Tool

J-7817 cup installer and handle J-8092 (fig. 48).

To remove spindle support from torque arm, pro-

ceed as follows.

a. Disconnect parking brake cable from actuating

lever.

b.
Remove four nuts securing support to torque arm

and withdraw brake backing plate and position it

out of the way.

c. Disconnect shock absorber lower eye from strut

rod mounting shaft. It may be necessary to sup-

port spring outer end before disconnecting shock
absorber, as shock absorber has internal rebound

control.

d. Remove cotter pin and nut from strut rod mount-

ing shaft, then pull shaft from support and strut

rod.

e. Spindle support may then be removed and bearing

cups serviced as in Step 2 above.

4.
To remove drive spindle outer bearing and seal

proceed as follows.

a. Position Tool J-8331 between chamfered edge of

bearing seat and inner race of bearing (fig. 49).

Clamp Tool J-8331 in a vise and apply pressure

to unseat bearing.

CAUTION: Use extreme caution when position-

ing Tool J-8331 against machined surface of

spindle. Make sure all tool imperfections such

as nicks and burrs are removed from spindle

contact area before applying pressure to unseat

bearing.

b.
Position Tool J-8331 and spindle in an arbor

press and press bearing from spindle (fig. 50).

c. Remove outer seal and inspect for damage--re-

place if necessary. Outer seal must be placed on

spindle before outer bearing inner race and roller

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-23

Fig.
62—Torque Control Arm (Corvette)

2.
Place center clamp plate in position and install four

bolts and washers. Tighten bolts and torque to

specifications.

3.
Raise spring outer end with floor jack until spring

is nearly flat and secure with chain as in Step 3-

Removal.

.4.
Lower jack, align torque control arm with spring

end and insert link bolt, rubber cushions and re-

tainers. Install castellated nut on link bolt and

tighten until cotter pin hole in bolt is visible. In-

sert new cotter pin and bend ends around.

5. Raise spring end with jack under link bolt, and re-

move chain and C clamp when loose.

6. Carefully lower jack, making sure rubber cushions

remain indexed in retainers.

7. Remove jack and repeat on opposite side. Install

wheels and tires, remove frame supports and lower

vehicle to floor.

TORQUE CONTROL ARM (Fig. 62)

Removal

1.
Disconnect spring on side torque arm is to be re-

moved. Follow Steps 1-6, Spring-Removal.

NOTE:
If vehicle is so equipped, disconnect

stabilizer rod from torque arm - refer to

"Stabilizer Rod Replacement".

2.
Remove shock absorber lower eye from strut rod

shaft.

3.
Disconnect and remove strut rod shaft and swing

strut rod down.

4.
Remove four bolts securing axle drive shaft to

spindle flange and disconnect drive shaft.

NOTE:
It may be necessary to force torque

arm outboard to provide clearance to drop drive

shaft.

5. Disconnect brake line at wheel cylinder inlet or

caliper and from torque arm. Disconnect parking

brake cable.

6. Remove torque arm pivot bolt and toe-in shims and

pull torque arm out of frame. Tape shims together

and identify for correct reinstallation.
RETAINER

RETAINER

PLATE

BUSHING

CONTROL ARM

Fig.
63—Torque Control Arm Bushing Cross-Sect ion (Corvette)

NOTE:
For service operations pertaining to

the spindle support assembly, refer to service

operations under Wheel Spindle and Support

earlier in this section.

Repairs (Fig. 63)

1.
Using 11/16" drill, drill out flared end of bushing

retainer (fig. 64).

2.
Remove special retainer plate and tap retainer out

of bushing.

3.
Remove bushings by spreading them apart with a

chisel and tap out of arm (fig. 65).

NOTE:
If bushing diameters are severely

rusted in torque arm, and arm tends to spread

during removal, clamp arm in a C-clamp to

prevent spreading.

Fig.
64—Drilling Out Retainer Flare (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-24

4

i*
5

Fig.
65—Removing Bushings (Corvette)

4.
Lightly oil new bushing diameters (not rubber por-

tion) and start bushings squarely in arm.

5. Install Tool J-7055-1 as shown in Figure 66 and

press bushings into place.

6. When bushings are fully installed, place special

plate over flared portion of new bushing retainer

and insert retainer into bushing.

7. Out of 5/8" thick steel plate 1-1/2" wide make flar-

ing tool support to the dimensions shown in Figure

67 and drill clearance holes as shown for 2
—
1/2"

bolts.

8. Place fabricated back-up plate on flared end of bush-

ing retainer and assembly Tool J-8111-23 to plate

with 2-1/2" bolts 5" long. Make sure threaded hole

in J-8111-23 is centered over unflared end of bushing

retainer and that chambered retainer plate is cen-

tered over retainer tube.

9. Lightly oil pointed end of J-8880-5 screw and thread

into J-
8111-23
until pointed "end contacts bushing

retainer. Continue threading J-8111-23 until retainer

is flared (fig. 68).

Installation

1.
Place torque arm in frame opening.

2.
Place toe-in shims in original position on both sides

of torque arm, install pivot bolt and tighten but do

not torque at this point.
Fig.
67—Flaring Tool Back-Up Plate (Corvette)

3.
Raise axle drive shaft into position and install to

drive flange. Torque bolts to specifications.

4.
Raise strut rod into position and insert strut rod

shaft so that flat lines up with flat in spindle sup-

port fork. Install nut and torque to specifications.

5. Install shock absorber lower eye and tighten nut

to specifications.

6. Connect spring end as outlined under Spring-

Bistallation, Steps 3-6'.

NOTE:
If vehicle is so equipped, connect sta-

bilizer shaft to torque arm - refer to "Sta-

bilizer Shaft Replacement".

7. Install brake disc and caliper, wheel and tire and

lower vehicle. Tighten torque arm pivot bolt. Bleed

brakes as outlined in Section 5-Brakes.

SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER

Removal

1.
Disconnect and remove spring as outlined under

Spring-Removal.

2.
Remove differential carrier assembly as outlined

under Differential Carrier-Removal in this section.

3.
Support crossmember, remove bolts securing

crossmember isolation mounts to frame and lower

crossmember (fig. 69).

Fig.
66—Installing Bushings (Corvette)
Fig.
68—Flaring Retainer (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION
AND
DRIVE LINE
4-26

DRIVE LINE

REAR AXIE

INDEX

Page

General
Description
4-26

Chevrolet,
Camaro,
Chevelle
and
Chevy
II 4-26

Corvette
4-26

Maintenance
and
Adjustments
4-27

Lubricant
4.37

Lubricant'
Leaks
4_27

Axle Bolts
and
Wheel
Nuts
4-27

Rear Axle Noise
Diagnosis
4-29

Gear Noise
4_29

Bearing
Noise
4-29

Failure
Analysis
4^9

Hypoid
Gears
4..3Q

Differential Gears. 4_30

Bearings
....'.
4.30

Component Parts Replacement

(Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Chevy n ..... 4.30

Axle Assembly ,. . 4_30

Removal 4 30

Installation * ' 4 3Q
Axle Shaft . . . 4-31

Removal 4-31

Wheel Bolt Replacement 4-31

Oil Seal and/or Bearing Replacement. 4-31

Brake Flange Plate Replacement 4-31

Installation 4-32

Pinion Flange, Dust Deflector and/or

Oil Seal Replacement 4-32

Component Parts Replacement (Corvette) 4-34

Axle Driveshaft .- 4-34

Removal 4-34

Repairs 4-34

Installation. . 4-34

Pinion Flange, Dust Deflector and/or Oil Seal. .... 4-35

Removal 4-35

Inspection . 4-35

Installation .- 4-35

Differential Carrier 4-36

Removal 4-36

Installation 4-36

Positraction Differential Unit-On the Vehicle Check . . 4-37

\

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

CHEVROLET, CHEVELLE, CHEVY
I! AND
CAMARO

The rear axle
(fig. 72) is a
semifloating, fabricated

construction type consisting
of a
cast carrier with large

bosses
on
each
end
into which
two
welded steel tubes

are fitted.
The
carrier contains
an
overhung hypoid

pinion
and
ring gear.
The
differential
is a
two pinion

arrangement.

The axle housing
is
made up
of
two steel welded tubes

pressed into
the
crossbore
of the
cast carrier
-
each

tube
is
puddle welded
at
three places
to the
carrier.

Welded-on brackets provide attachment points
for

Chevelle springs,; shock absorbers,
and
lower control

arms.
Chevrolet models have welded-on brackets
for

control arms,
tie
rod, and shock absorbers. The housing

on Chevy II and Camaro has welded brackets
for
mounting

lower spring
pad
and shock absorber.
A
welded flange
is

provided
for
brake flange plate attachment.

The overhung hypoid drive pinion
is
supported
by
two

preloaded tapered roller bearings.
The
pinion shaft
is

sealed
by
means
of a
molded, spring loaded, rubber seal.

The seal
is
mounted
on the
pinion shaft flange which
is

splined and bolted
to
the hypoid pinion shaft.

The hypoid ring gear
is
bolted
to a
one-piece differen-

tial case which
is
supported
by two
preloaded tapered

roller bearings.

CORVETTE

The Corvette rear axle
is of the
type where
the dif-
ferential carrier housing enclosing
the
differential
and

hypoid gears
is
supported
on a
crossmember mounted
to

the chassis frame.
The
differential
is
connected through

universal joints
to the
drive shafts
and
wheels
(fig. 73).

The internal components
of the
carrier
are of
conven-

tional design, incorporating
a
hypoid gear
set
with
an

overhung pinion supported
on two
pre-loaded, tapered

roller bearing assemblies,
and a
two-pinion differential

assembly supported
on
tapered roller bearings. Pinion

mounting distance adjustments
are
made through the
use

of shims,
as are the
differential bearing pre-load
and

backlash adjustments.
The
differential side gears drive

two splined yokes which
are
retained laterally
by
snap

rings located on the yoke splined end. The yokes
are
sup-

ported on caged needle bearings pressed into
the
carrier,

adjacent
to the
differential bearings.
A
lip seal, pressed

in outboard
of
the bearings, prevents
oil
leakage and dirt

entry.
The
carrier cover
is
bolted
to the
carrier and

provides accessibility
to the
internal parts.
The
cover

incorporates two integral, reinforced mounting pads which

serve
as the
carrier attaching point
to the
suspension

crossmember,
and an
attaching point
for the
spring

center section. The filler plug
is
located on the right side

of the cover near the bolting flange.

All service operations allow carrier removal without

removing
the
carrier cover. Cover removal
is
not nec-

essary
in any of the
service procedures except
in
the

case
of
complete carrier housing replacement,
as the

carrier and cover
are
serviced
as
an assembly.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-27

SHIM AND

SERVICE

12

14

Fig.
72—Rear Axle Cross-Section (Chevrolet, Camaro, Chevelle and Chevy II)

1.
Companion Flange

2.
Deflector

3. Pinion Oil Seal

4.
Pinion Front Bearing

5. Pinion Bearing Spacer

6. Differential Carrier

LUBRICANT
7. Differential Case

8. Shim

9. Gasket

10.
Differential Bearing

11.
"Clock

12. Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
13.
Cover

14.
Pinion Shaft

15.
Ring Gear

16.
Side Gear

17.
Bearing Cap

18.
Axle Shaft
19.
Thrust Washer

20.
Differential Pinion

21.
Shim

22.
Pinion Rear Bearing

23.
Drive Pinion

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS

The lubricant level should be periodically checked and

maintained at level of filler plug with a warm axle. See

the lubrication section of this manual for lubricant

recommendations.

Lubricant Leaks

Lubricant leaks should be checked for at the pinion

flange oil seal, axle wheel bearing seals, lubricant-filler
plug, and carrier cover. Correction of these leaks con-

sists of replacing the defective seals or gaskets involved

as described in this section.

AXLE BOLTS AND WHEEL NUTS

From a safety standpoint, axle housing to rear spring

bolts,
wheel nuts and control arm attaching bolts should

be periodically inspected for secure installation.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION
AND
DRIVE LINE
4-28

SHIM AND

SERVICE

SPACER

13

Fig.
73—Rear Axle Cross-Section (Corvette)

1.
Companion Flange

2.
Pinion Seal

3. Front Pinion Bearing

4. Rear Pinion Bearing

5. Pinion Shim
6. Pinion

7. Differential Pinion

8. Differential Side Gear

9. Differential Bearing

10.
Differential Bearing Shim
11.
Yoke Bearing

12.
Yoke Bearing Seal

13.
Side Gear Yoke

14.
Carrier Cover

15.
Differential Case
16.
Differential Pinion Shaft

17.
Thrust Washer

18.
Ring Gear

19.
Pinion Bearing Spacer

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL