Re: [alfa] re: Rear axle noise on high(est) mileage GTV6

[AlfaRs@xxxxxxx]

This job is not fun but I haven't found it to be beyond the average creative mechanical skills.  For the tools you can make most of what you need,  for the socket for the earlier type "spanner" nut you can use a four wheel drive front hub socket.  I don't remember the size off hand but there are only a few different sizes.    With this socket you need to grind down the lugs a little but it fits well.  If you have the other style of rings (looks like a hex on the ID) don't even bother with a tool.  Use a dremmel with a cutting wheel.  Cut two slits almost all the way through (don't cut into the threads) then take a chisel to it.  It splits rather easy.  You should order replacement rings which will be the "spanner" style.  I wouldn't try to just punch them in, You will never get enough torque on it.  The spec is really high if I remember right. Undo the half shaft and pull it aside.  You can make a tool to stop the stub axle from rotating with a piece of bar stock.  Drill a couple of holes to match the bolt pattern on the stub shaft.  Leave it long enough to rest against the dedion tube.  Bolt it up with some spare bolts, don't use the long half shaft bolts.  The nut on the stub shaft is pretty large but I don't remember it being an odd size.  I had the socket in the tool box. One thing I didn't see in the instructions was pulling the hub off.  The manual has a tool listed that looks like the mother of all slide hammers.  What I did was to use an old front rotor, press out the studs, weld a piece of bar stock across the center, put it on the rear hub backwards and bolt up the lug nuts.  I then used the largest slide hammer that I had.  It takes a bit of effort but it has worked for me.  IAP lists a bearing puller but I have always rigged up a puller with bar stock and threaded rod.

Good luck,
Dave McCrory
Maryville TN
93' 164
87' Verde
87' Platinum
87' Gold
76' Spider

>Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:51:46 -0500
>From: "Brian Shorey" <bshorey@domain.elided>
>Subject: RE: [alfa] re: Rear axle noise on high(est) mileage >GTV6 
>
> > Replacement is not too difficult, provided you have the 
> proper tools 
> > and things aren't too rusty. In the proper tools 
> department, you need 
> > the special socket for the bearing retainers, a very large 
> air impact 
> > wrench, and either the special alfa tool for 
> removing/installing the bearings.
> Also,
> > oxy-acetylene torches will help greatly most times.
> 
> > Wheel bearings should be readily available from any of your 
> favorite 
> > Alfa parts suppliers, or locally through any better parts 
> stores that 
> > know European stuff. The bearings fit many other applications 
> > (VW/Audi/Saab, etc).
> 
> > You will also need replacement retainers.

>This can be a nightmarish job, even with a lift and all the >special tools.
>As Jeff says, the torch might come in handy.

>There's a special tool for holding the axle from rotating, >one for removal
>and installation of the retaining ring, and one for pressing >the old bearing
>our and the new bearing in.

>In my experience, the retaining ring is the hard part.  >There's actually two
>styles (and a different special tool for each).  One trick >is to cut out
>whatever's in there, hence the torch, and making sure you >have a replacement
>handy.  Also note, they're threaded differently from side to >side.

>I'd recommend replacing whatever you have in there for >retaining rings with
>the earlier Alfetta style ring, that one can be removed (or >installed) with
>a hammer and screwdriver if needed, and in any case the >special tool gives
>much better purchase with that style ring.

>Without the special tools, I wouldn't attempt this job.  >With the special
>tools, I'd still be prepared to cut the retaining ring out.

>HTH,

>bs
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