Customs 1954 Pontiac Star Chief Rear Axle

Hello All,

I have a 1954 Pontiac Star Chief that the rear axle is leaking by the drive shaft. I don't see the traditional spot to fill the fluid up or even to check it. I can tell it has been leaking for quite sometime. Any suggestions on how to check it? Should I pull the entire axle out and rebuild it?

Thx
Farmer237

 

There should be a plug on the p***enger's side of the 3rd member about level with the flange

 

Will it be on the drive shaft side of the axle or the back side?

 

"3rd member" is the common name for the removable center section to which the driveshaft attaches.

 

It might just be a matter of replacing the pinion seal to fix the leak unless the flange has a groove than it would need replaced if it was bad enough to where a new seal wouldn't fix it. Removing and installing the nut at the pinion flange to have the same torque to rotate the pinion is very critical or damage to the bearings may occur.

California Pontiac Restoration should have the seal.

 

If the pinion seal surface is worn significantly, there is a potential cure for that called Redi-sleeve. It is a thin cylindrical bushing that presses onto a shaft and provides a new wear surface for the seal.

Available from better (read 'old school') parts houses.

 

Can this be done with the axle installed or is it best to remove the axle?

 

With the axle installed would be easier IMO . If the pinion is not loose, you can get close to getting the torque back by making a mark on the pinion shaft and nut and realigning those marks. Probably going to need a 2 jaw puller to get the pinion flange off unless your lucky.

The proper way to do this is to measure the rotating torque using a socket on the pinion shaft. With the drums removed so there is no drag. It needs to be measured in inch lbs, this does not go by the torque of the pinion nut itself tightened. Than just reset it when your done.

There is an online 55 Pontiac online shop manual that would work for this type of repair at pontiacsafari.com. If your not comfortable with this type of the repair I would leave it to a local shop .

Oh and you might want to wear some rubber gloves, this old gear oil stinks pretty good, I couldn't get the smell off my hands for days.

 

Thanks to all that replied... I appreciate the help... I still have a ton to learn.... Looks like I have a bunch to do this weekend.


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