Leaf springs support the axle and hold it in alignment,
eliminating the need for control arms, Figure 16-27A.
When coil springs are used, separate control arms must be
used to maintain rear axle alignment. See Figure 16-27B.
Two kinds of rear axle housings are used on vehicles
without independent rear suspensions—removable carrier
and integral carrier. Both types will be discussed in this
section. (Rear axle housings used with independent rear
suspension will be discussed in the section that follows.)
Removable Carrier
The removable carrier has a separate housing for the
differential assembly, Figure 16-28. It can be unbolted and
removed from the rest of the rear axle housing after the
drive axles are removed. All of the internal differential
parts, then, will be removed with it. Differential assemblies
housed in this kind of carrier are, in general, easier to
service, since repairs can be done on the bench instead of
on the vehicle.
The carrier mounting flange is where the carrier
attaches to the rest of the rear axle housing. Usually,
threaded studs are installed in the housing. The studs pass
through holes in the mounting flange when the carrier is
installed. The carrier is then tightened in place by installing
and tightening nuts over the threaded studs. This attaching
method makes it easier to align and reinstall the carrier. A
gasket is always used between the carrier and axle housing.
The differential pinion bearings are installed in the
carrier in the pinion bearing bores. When tapered roller
bearings are used, the bearing cups are tightly pressed into
the bores. Some removable carriers have an extra support
bearing at the end of the pinion gear. This bearing is called
a pinion pilot bearing.
Figure 16-29 shows the attaching points for the differ-
ential side bearings, also called case bearings. The side
bearings are held in place by bolted, U-shaped caps. Most
324 Manual Drive Trains and Axles
Control arm
Shock absorber Suspension system
coil spring
Rear axle
housing
Sway bar
Shims
Oil seal
O-ring
Locknut
Lock washer
Washer
Outer race
Inner race
Bearing
housing
Oil seal
Axle flange
Brake drum
Brake assembly
Axle, or
wheel bearing
B
Figure 16-27. (continued). B—Coil springs require the use of control arms and sway bars to maintain alignment.This method makes
for easier rear end removal. (DaimlerChrysler)
Axle tube
Ring gear
Drive
pinion gear
Removable
carrier
Figure 16-28. The removable carrier type of rear axle housing
is a two-piece assembly. The carrier contains differential parts.
It can be unbolted and, after the drive axles are removed,
serviced on a bench.