I have a 1969 cutlass S with a 12 bolt differential. Axle bearing eating into axle. Any ideas where to find a saver set? Normal channels ( auto zone, advance etc) show no listing. Would appreciate some advice. Thanks.

 

If it is an O type and you find you need new axles I have them for $75 each or 2 for $140.

 

I'm sorry, but how do I tell if it's an O type. Will I need to disassemble to check? I am not a mechanic, but know someone who can do this if needed. Thanks.

 

If the bearing is wearing into the axle then it might be a 12 bolt Chevrolet type.
Does it have c clips holding in the axles?
How many ring gear bolts?

 

If your car was built in Canada,then it came with a 12-bolt Chevy,and will have C-clips. Those bearings roll right in the axle surface itself,and they normally wear from use & mileage. Repair bearings are available for this.
If your car was NOT built in Canada,then it came with a 12-bolt O-axle.This has bolt-in axles,no c-clips.The bearings that were used in this rear,are the RW507CR sealed ball-bearing,that is pressed onto the axle shaft. These a le shafts were known to be soft,and the bearing journal would actually shrink under the bearing,causing the bearing collar to spin on the shaft,thus wearing it down further.There is NO repair bearing for this.The correct fix is to find good original shafts,or to order new shafts.

 

I did not know axles were available for the O type. Were do you get them?

 

Never heard of roller bearing running direct onto shafts, not GM s best idea IMO.
I suppose it might have worked for cars that were planned to be thrown away after 100-150k miles.


Roger.

 

Be careful if you buy used axle shafts, they can be worn enough to cause problems but the wear can not be seen without a micrometer to measure. I bought a new one ( had to order it and wait for a couple months) not 100% sure but I think it was through Summit for about 180$

 

agreed
I sold an axle from a '64 Jetstar 88 to a guy in Europe?
One year, one model only, NO OTHER DONORS POSSIBLE
Pulled both axles 'cause why not?
Ready to ship both when I noticed that one bearing was shot, no, wait, it is LOOSE ON THE SHAFT. The ID of the bearing was loose on the shaft. They got to turning and wore the shaft. It was so bad that a micrometer was not needed, just a yardstick.

 

If it is not so bad that you think the axle strength is diminished, a good machine shop with spray welding abilities can build up the surface and turn it back to the original dimension. Just a thought.

 

With spray welding or hard chroming shafts you would have to cylindrical grind it after, That would get expensive. An option if their were none on the planet.

 

I looked into welding & machining shafts before. The machinist were against the idea for multiple reasons,but you will also have more into the shaft than you would if you bought a new,which is made of better material.
The C-clip GM axles use a bearing like the #5707 that rolls onto the surface of the axle itself. It was such a genius idea that Ford did the same thing with their 7.5" and 8.8"