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Oldsproject · 07-08-2007, 05:18 PM

Thanks Joe and 2blu442, before I dive in I want to be sure I'm not getting in too far over my head.... (well I already am I guess). First things first though.

I raised the rear of the car, removed the tires and hubs. Since allot of this is new to me, this might seem as stupid questions but please bear with me.

1. While I had the car up I noticed I could turn rather easily the rear wheels even though the car was in park and the drive shaft and yoke were not moving, is this normal (boith wheels turned, oposite directions of course)?

2. I also could feel a what seemed like the gears in the rear end engaging but kind of a clicking feeling which seems somewhat normal but something is bothering me about it. It wasn't a real noticable feeling but instead of coming from the center housing felt more towards the outside ends (both) of the axle housing which makes me think that perhaps there's pitted or worn bearings or something of the sort? I may just be a bit paranoid as I read something about "64" and "65" cutlass axle bearing problems. The crux of the article was to be sure to check them as they had a tendancy to go bad and could destroy your axle. However, I can't find where I read it and perhaps it was all just a dream. Am I paranoid or is there something to be concerned about?

3. How difficult is this job IF I tackle the rear end to at least inspect the axle, bearings, gears, etc? Are there any special tools or can the usual run of the mill set accomplish the task (i.e. I don't have any way to press or remove bearings, etc.)

4. Can the job be done with the rear under the car?

I'm ready willing and able if it makes sense and with a little help from my friends.

07-08-2007, 05:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Oldsproject Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 47	Thanks Joe and 2blu442, before I dive in I want to be sure I'm not getting in too far over my head.... (well I already am I guess). First things first though. I raised the rear of the car, removed the tires and hubs. Since allot of this is new to me, this might seem as stupid questions but please bear with me. 1. While I had the car up I noticed I could turn rather easily the rear wheels even though the car was in park and the drive shaft and yoke were not moving, is this normal (boith wheels turned, oposite directions of course)? 2. I also could feel a what seemed like the gears in the rear end engaging but kind of a clicking feeling which seems somewhat normal but something is bothering me about it. It wasn't a real noticable feeling but instead of coming from the center housing felt more towards the outside ends (both) of the axle housing which makes me think that perhaps there's pitted or worn bearings or something of the sort? I may just be a bit paranoid as I read something about "64" and "65" cutlass axle bearing problems. The crux of the article was to be sure to check them as they had a tendancy to go bad and could destroy your axle. However, I can't find where I read it and perhaps it was all just a dream. Am I paranoid or is there something to be concerned about? 3. How difficult is this job IF I tackle the rear end to at least inspect the axle, bearings, gears, etc? Are there any special tools or can the usual run of the mill set accomplish the task (i.e. I don't have any way to press or remove bearings, etc.) 4. Can the job be done with the rear under the car? I'm ready willing and able if it makes sense and with a little help from my friends.