The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk differential pinion shaft screw removal

I am in the process of removing the rear end gears, but first I need to get out the differential pinion shaft screw. While holding the assembly, I tried to remove it with a big screwdriver, but it wouldn't budge. I wish it was square so I could use a wrench, but since it isn't, does anybody know how to get the screw out?

Do you have access to a bolstered type screwdriver, the type that has a hex at the bottom of the handle on the shaft? You might be able to get more torque on the bolt with that type driver. Another solution would be to use a manual type impact driver if it's really stuck bad. Something to watch for-sometimes the pin will break when they are put together at the factory. Usually they do that below the threads, so you can fish the end out with a small magnet.

I agree with the manual type impact. It works very well on those type situations where a flat tip or phillips head are used.

A little heat will loosen just about anything. Use a medium-size welding tip on an acetyline torch, get the screw head medium-red, and loosen it before it cools off. The heat stretches the thread a little, and relieves the tightening torque, plus it dislodges any caked-up crud around the threads. Letting the screw cool naturally, insead of dumping it in water or something, won't affect the strength, or make it brittle if you decide to reuse it.
Jerry

Thanks for the help. I just used a bigger screwdriver with a square shaft and pushed the screwdriver hard into the slot of the screw while turning the shaft with a crescent wrench. It came out easily. I have another question about the rear axle now that everything is apart and the axles, differential assembly and pinion and driveshaft are out. While taking apart, cleaning, then reinstalling the rear axles, is it a necessity to replace the rear wheel bearings? how about all the pinion bearings and the ring gear bearings? It seems to me that the pinion and ring gear bearings might be ok, but how do I know? How hard is it to replace all these bearings and what tools would I need? In the manual I see all these one time use special tools for every step of the process, but I don't have anything like that. If I have to replace them, would it be easier to send the assembly to a mechanic to replace the bearings for me?

justin,
there should be a thread in the Driveline showing the rebuild process. The thread is probably about a year old.

any ideas on what that thread is titled? I can't seem to find it by searching.

It all depends on the condition of the rear end before you tore it down. You can examine the bearings by cleaning them & holding them up to a light. Check the inside race & rollers for pits. Same with the wheel brgs. & the surface on the axle the bearings ride on. It will take some equipment to replace the bearings. Be shure the diff. carrier retaining caps go back on the same side & position they came off.

If you have no exp in this and did not mark and check backlash before diss find a friend who does as I would think you are in trouble...doc