My 69 Bird seems to be having rear-end porblems. I've never taken a cover off a rear end and am not sure what to expect. I want to remove it to see if there are any metal shavings or other obvious problems. I am assuming that when I do that all the oil will drain out or is there a way to drain it first? Once I am ready to put the cover back on I will need a new gasket and oil but should I also replace the breather (I think it is on the passenger side axle)? My last "dumb" question is how/where do you put the oil in? I think it's on the passenger side of the rear end but it appears to be on the side?

I know this is alot but any help would be appreciated or if someone can point me to a site that explains all this.

Thanks,
Rob

Does anyone really know exactly what the posi additive is anyway? I've always wondered about that.

- Jake

I've determined that it is the bearing on the passenger side axle. Now I need to figure out how to remove the axle. I thought there pinion shaft lockscrew and then a C-lock, but I can't locate the lockscrew. Any ideas?

The axle is held in by a retainer behind the brake drum. The are no c-clips on the Pontiac axle.

Take the drum off, and there should be an access hole in the axle flange to get to the 4 retainer bolts. Remove them, and the axle and bearing should pull out if it's not stuck, which it usually is. I use a slide hammer. Once the axle is out, you'll see the bearing and a collar are pressed on to the axle shaft. There is a seal inside the axle tube.

69s could have either roller or ball bearings, so make sure you get the right one.

I've gotten the axle out now how do I get the collar and bearings off the axle?

Thanks for all your help!

the safest way is to take it to someone with a press. They'll probably charge about $30.