Rear axle comes out

[David H.]

I spent the afternoon removing the rear axle from my brother's car today. Everything went pretty well. I have never done this project before so was very cautious around the springs. Next project will be the front suspension. Hope to get started on it tomorrow. Any words of wisdom on removing the front end would be much appreciated.

[Steve D.]

Re: Rear axle comes out

David

The shop manual will give you a step by step removal and installation procedure, but will probably reference some special tools that you don't have. You will need a spring compressor, so here's my words of wisdom: use a professional grade compressor (borrow, rent, buy, resort to "unauthorized use" of someone else's if you have to). AutoZone has loaner spring compressors, and I have used them before, but they are too exciting for me now.

Steve

PS: If you have not removed coil springs before, it would be a really good idea to have a helper that has. Aunt Nanny says be careful.

[Jerry W.]

Re: Rear axle comes out

Hello David...wondered if you were still kickin....here's an excellent write up on front end rebuild

http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/218134/

[Bruce B.]

Re: Rear axle comes out

David,
The best reference information is available in the GM ST12, the GM Service Technical Manual.
In the ST12 you will see that before you remove the front suspension you can easily remove the springs without a spring compressor. GM techs did not use spring compressors on the C1 cars for either removal or replacement of the front coil springs.
This is not a difficult job but be careful, although if you follow the directions it is not dangerous.

[David H.]

Re: Rear axle comes out

Great link Jerry, thanks. I actually followed his lead and took the entire front suspension assembly out with the cross member.

[Dick W.]

Re: Rear axle comes out

David you still have to deal with the coil springs. Take the advice given here and use a professional spring compressor. Too much energy captured with the coils compressed to take a chance with anything else.

[David H.]

Re: Rear axle comes out

Will do Dick, thanks for the advise. Better to be safe than sorry as they say. Especially working alone.