Removing the rear axle.

I

ian Simpson

Well-known member
I had a nasty surprise a week or so ago - after removing the rear hubs to refurbish the brakes, I discovered the passenger side axle shaft to be a total write-off with a torn up key way.

I have a new axle shaft on its way, and have determined to refresh the transmission and clutch while I have the rear axle out of the car.

My question is this:

Should I drop the spring with the axle and then spread the spring for removal? Or, should I spread and disconnect spring from the axle before dropping the axle, leaving the spring hanging in the cross member?

I do have the use of a good quality spring spreader.
 
hmm some like to leave it attached to the car and spred it that way, if you do it out of the car wrap the fattest longest log chain around the spring as tight as you can get it before trying to remove the spring and DO NOT stand above it - keep every part of your body as far away from the spring as possible...

Some say its safer to leave in the car as the crossmember will cratle the spring it it decides to let loose upon removal.
 
I just finished this exact project. I used the spreader and left the spring in the car. It was easy and safe. Those springs can be scary if the center bolt is broken.
 
ian,
If you leave it in it is actually less work and safer as you don't have to undo the spring hangers.... Just compress the spring with the spreader to the proper relief and remove the shackles.

The axle should be easy to do... while you're in there check all bearings and races...replace all if there are any wear signs.
I would want to ensure proper pre-load setup as well.
As opposed to cutting a new keyway Axles are still fairly plentiful and just replace it. I would however inspect both axles very carefully for cracks, issues on the thread end as well as wear on the gear end.

Good luck!
Larry Shepard
 
Thank you all, I will leave the spring hanging on the frame. I thought it might be the easiest and safest approach.

I intend to replace everything that is in the least bit worn as I never want to do this again.
 
Related question. If replacing the spring is it still advisable to first disconnect from rear end and then drop from the crossmember? I'm about to do the same job as the original poster, but plan on replacing the spring.
 
Related question. If replacing the spring is it still advisable to first disconnect from rear end and then drop from the crossmember? I'm about to do the same job as the original poster, but plan on replacing the spring.

Disconnecting the spring from the axle before removing it from the frame could be risky. I know of someone who did it that way thinking it would be safer but he found the spring difficult to remove from the crossmember because of an 80 year accumulation of grease and dirt. With the rear on jackstands, he worked to free the spring with a crowbar. The spring dropped suddenly to the concrete and exploded, sending leaves flying all over the place. Fortunately, nobody was injured and the jackstands stayed in place, although their was sheet rock damage to the garage wall and some very choice words spoken.
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