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Hey everybody, I have a 68 442 that for the past few years since I’ve had it, I’ve felt rattling and occasional thumping at low speeds in the rear. I just had a trusted mechanic look at it and replace it with a custom machined piece. I believe he said one of the rear axle bearings wore out and damaged the axle. I’ve never seen what a pristine 31 spline 68 442 heavy duty axle looks like to compare, but it’s been replaced and the car now rides super smooth. Here are pics of the old axle and the pic of a hand holding the axle wheel mount. I have a video of that being moved up and down to show how loose it was. Can anyone tell me more about this axle, how it looks and if anyone has had this happen before? Now the car is riding great and I’m very happy. —Billy
The pre-1970 axles (both 28 and 31 spline versions) use a sealed bearing with the oil seal inboard of the bearing, so the only lube the bearing has is what it was manufactured with, and that can dry out over time. The 1970-up axles use an open bearing with the oil seal outboard of the bearing, so the bearing gets oiled by the diff lube.
In both cases, the bearing is pressed onto the axle shaft, with the inner race a tight friction fit onto the shaft. For whatever reason, that inner race can start moving and eventually spin on the shaft, which wears a groove into the surface of the shaft. I had that happen on my 1968 O-Type 28 spline rearend.
When I was researching this many years ago, one article pointed out that even with having to use a very strong press to get the bearing on the shaft, it can still end up spinning and they recommended using some form of Lick Tite to ensure the bearing can't spin on the shaft.
Great info. So since I just had my axle replaced I can assume most likely my mechanic used a more easily attainable bearing that has the seal on the outboard side now allowing the differential oil to lub the bearing. —Billy
What do you mean when you say "axle" was replaced? If just the axle shaft and you still have the O-Type rearend, then the mechanic used the same type sealed bearing as that is the only style that is compatible with the axle tube (and these bearings are easily attainable from auto parts stores). If the entire rearend was replaced, well that was overkill for a worn axle shaft. And if so, you need to find out what is under your car now.
