Broken carrier pin set screw

[GangsterMD]

Not sure the correct terminology, but the set screw that holds the pin in the diff carrier broke I was trying to install new longer wheel studs, and there wasn't enough room behind to get the longer studs in. So I figured I'd just pull the diff cover, pull the pin out, and slide out the axles... Not a good start. Has this happened to others? The problem I see with using an extractor is there isn't enough room to drill straight into the hole If I drill in crooked, the extractor will go in crooked. Also what's that "S" looking thing around the pin? I've never had the axles out of this car - just changed the fluid. I guess the other thing would be a clue of how to get the studs in, then I could just put the set screw back in and fight that battle another day.

 

[mikestertwo]

It's common for the retaining bolt for the pin to break. There is a kit available from MATCO part# DPK1 for removing the broken bolt. The "S" shaped piece is a preload spring for the clutch packs.

 

[turbo nasty]

Yeah get the kit. I was in the same boat and had to use it. Worth its weight in gold!!!
Theyll send it to your home.
Only thing I had to do was use a smaller corded 3/8 size drill motor as a 1/2 was to big..... cordless would probably work tho.

I picked up a new pin at Napa on one of the Help and misc carousels they had on the floor

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/general-turbo-buick-tech/229352-matco-tools-my-hero.html

 

[GangsterMD]

You guys are awesome, I'll get a kit. As for the clutch preload spring, any tricks when I get the pin out?

 

[mikestertwo]

You guys are awesome, I'll get a kit. As for the clutch preload spring, any tricks when I get the pin out?

No tricks. The spring will stay in place when you pull the pin.

 

[pacecarta]

easy way to put the studs in is to drill a hole in the backer plate (there is room )

this way if you snap one (or all five ) you can replace them at the track with just a hammer

 

[Rodney87GN]

Yeah don't pull out that S spring either because trying to put it back in is a PITA!

 

[turbo nasty]

DONT TURN THE WHEELS ONCE THE CROSS PIN IS OUT THE SPIDER GEARS WILL TURN. This is a real pain to get back realigned

 

[GangsterMD]

Ok so Diffs 101 here. Isn't there "C" clips in behind/beside the clutch preload spring? If you don't want to remove the spring, how do you get the "C" clips out, in order to pull the axles? I'm starting to like the idea of drilling a hole in the backing plate.

 

[jdsgnx]

push in the axles one at a time and use a magnet and you can pull the axels out.

JD

 

[mikestertwo]

There is enough room to get the "C" clips out without removing the spring.

 

[BlackMetal]

Good info here I might have to pull the axles soon.

 

[charlief1]

thanks for the links guys. I'll be getting one from my dealer next week.

 

[turbo nasty]

Cross shaft pin out, then cross shaft.
Push in on axle and use a mag pickup to get the c clips off/out