74 LS4-454

I have always been big on PM (Preventative Maintenance) and still am, but some times you put things off, when you shouldn't and this was one of them!!!
On my way to the dentist recently, and as I left my development in the 82, about a 1/2 mile down the road, I hear this loud "pop" that came from the left rear and metal grinding against metal, I then knew exactly what happen. Made a ubie and got safely back into the garage without getting towed. Left rear wheel was tilted in at the top and as I pulled the wheel, it was evident what had transpired. The bearing went in the T/A. This was something that I should have taken care of last summer, but kept putting it off. Lesson learned, when in doubt, get it done asap......This T/A looks to be original, and if so, now has 130,000 miles to its credit. After you look at the pics, you can see that I am very lucky that this did not happen on my daily commute back and forth to work at speeds 60mph and above. I would have lost the wheel completely and things would have gotten real ugly to say the least.
The RS T/A looks to have been replaced at a previous time, but I am not taking any chances and am in the process of changing both T/A's out to be on the safe side, since the 82 is my "dd" and averages about 24,000 miles per year.
I am only posting pics of what can happen when the bearing splits and comes apart from the hub, as there are already many good threads and references out there on replacing C3 T/A's.
Also purchased a sawsall as the T/A bolt appears to be rusted in there, and needs to be cut out. Will be in the garage for the next 2 days as needed to get the job done and back on the road again, and hopefully be good for another 100,000 miles plus............Tom

Notice in pics #1 & #3 how far the hub is apart from the spindle, and in pic #2 where I hold the hub closer to the spindle......




Another view.....

'75

Cool, now you get some garage time, one of my favorite things!

74 LS4-454

Just had some cereal for strength.... going out to the garage now, getting my game plan together....... will take the RS apart and leave the LS bolt to be cut last, hoping that the RS will just pop out.....

'75

You may need steak and eggs for strength before that job is done, have fun with it

74 LS4-454

Yea, I might at that, because "bubba" has been in on the RS
Glad I am allowing 2 days for this, just taking my time
Finally got the caliper removed, parking brake cable right up against the bolt....may need a new cable after its done.....checked the caliper and the pistons look like they have seen better days, taking no chances and just called AutoZone and they have a RR caliper in stock which they are holding for me. I also had ordered and received new rear brake lines, hoses, and clips so the job can be done correctly. Once I finish, I don't want to be back in there except for pad changes.
Also putting new pads on both sides.....
Back to the garage for more fun........ Tom
But first I need a piece of my wife's famous home-made pound cake to get me through the next phase......

Drawmain

This one happened on the interstate at about 75 mph. Fun ride. No damage to the car (other than the T/A) Replaced both sides after this.

74 LS4-454

exactly how mine looked........break time is over, now to get to those pesky half shaft u joint bolts

mortgageguy

Have you gotten to the shock mounts yet?

74 LS4-454

Yes I have, LS, not too much of a problem, RS, well that's another story. ...everything on the RS ia PIA.
The only good thing is that the T/A bolt came out with the use of a punch which made me happy...