Posted by Cnris Clouser on May 17, 1999 at 00:09:24:
In Reply to: Brake Check posted by Adam Houlne on May 15, 1999 at 10:18:47:
It's really not that bad, you will just need some tools you may not have yet. Jack it up and pull off the wheels, then remove the 8 nuts or bolts in the middle of the hub that hold the axle shaft to the hub. Then take a dead blow or rubber hammer and tap (beat) on the axle flange to try and get it to dislodge. You should have conical washers in each of the holes, and they can be a bear. If there are studs sticking out, try using 2 nuts on each stud to remove them. After you get the axle shaft loose, pull it straight out and set it somewhere that it won't get damaged. Once it's out, you will be able to see the 2 locknuts that hold the hub onto the spindle. There is a multi-tab lockwasher between the 2 nuts. You will need to bend the tab back in carefully to get the first nut off. This is where the special tools come in. You will need a socket that is larger than 2" to pull these nuts, I don't know for sure what size your's takes, as they changed sizes sometime between '73 and '78. I know because I had to get a different socket for my '78 than for my '73. I got mine at the local NAPA store, around $40 each. Anyway, once the nuts are off, pull straight out on the hub and drum to show the brake gear. Don't remember what the torque specs are for the nuts on reassembly, but could get that if you need it. Also, if your shafts used studs and nuts, I would recommend replacing them with bolts, makes the job easier next time! And last but not least, when you go to put the axle shafts back in, run a bead of silicone around the edge of the hub to replace the gasket before you put the shafts all the way in. Otherwise you will get a gear oil leak at the flange. If you have to change the brakes, make sure to pack the wheel bearing with grease when you put it together. They are supposed to be lubed with gear oil from the diff., but that isn't there right after a brake job. I have heard horror stories of people tearing up rearends because they put the bearings in dry and oil never got to them. Better safe than sorry, and grease is a lot cheaper than bearings! Good luck!