Hello all - I've been scrolling for awhile and cannot find where this specific question has been answered (I've probably missed it) but here goes. I have an O type axle in my Cutlass and the rear axle seal is leaking. According to the service manual, I have a 31-48 series axle with the groove in the axle shaft that a retainer plate snaps into it. I have looked all over and cannot find that type of replacement retainer, only the type with the thick lock ring. My question is can I use the lock ring style? I was looking at NAPA part number BR9 for the bearing and part number 16735 for the seal and the bearing comes with the lock ring type. Will the lock ring just fit over the groove in the axle or will there be problems with this? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

The replacement O-Type axle bearing uses a press on retainer. I think only the factory retainer used that groove because, well they had the equipment and the regular shop doesn't. I have replaced many axle bearings over the years using the pressed on retainer/collar.

A 1970 O-Type should use a Bower RU1578NNV/Timken Set 9 bearing and a 712146 oil seal.

I looked up that 16735 part number and it appears to cross over to the 712146 seal.

Below is what the factory axle bearing, seal, and retainer look like.
You may also want to read this thread about changing axle bearings.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...lation-102269/

 

Thank you! This picture is exactly what my axle looks like and you confirmed what I suspected - I just wanted to be sure the larger ring style retainer wouldn't interfere with the groove. The NAPA part numbers I listed were in the box of receipts I got when I purchased the car. The previous owner did the passenger side and not the driver's side and the garage where they were done is no longer around for me to ask. If these are the original, then I guess they did OK - the car was built in November 1969. Thanks again.