REMOVING REAR AXLE

by Vic Locke (published in the Isetta Gazette September 1978)

Drain oil from chain case using a 12mm ring spanner.

Using a 21mm socket, remove hub nuts and rear wheel.

Remove split pin and loosen and remove hub (30mm socket and 'T' bar)

Remove the six cheese head screws holding the back plate to the casing. The back plate can then be removed and tied up out of the way. It is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic brake pipe line.

Remove the 3 nuts holding onto the rubber spider coupling (drive casing end) with a 17mm ring spanner and a 14mm open end spanner.

Remove the rear spring shackle bolt (near side) with a 19mm open end spanner. When replacing this bolt be careful not to overtighten or you may strip the threads.

Remove the speedo drive cable.

Lift the 'U' tube spring arm with a jack under the off side until the drive casing is clear of the spring.

The four bolts holding the drive casing to the 'U' tube flange should be removed (nuts are facing the rear of the machine)and the drive casing pulled back and and to the left to clear the flange.

Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

DISMANTLING REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY

After removal of the drive case from the car next;

Remove adjusting plate from chain tensioner (10mm ring spanner)

Remove chain case bolts (six through bolts (14mm), 9 screw bolts (10mm))

Remove chain case cover (after heating around the ball race housing in rear of cover, opposite drive end of axle) by tapping on two lugs on top and bottom of casing. Do not force or use screw driver between casings.

Remove spring link on chain and remove complete chain from casing. (When refitting link, the two blue plates go in the middle of the chain, and the brown on the outside under the spring clip. Be sure that the closed end of the spring clip faces the direction of the travel of the chain.)

Remove the Seger clip from the axle, then the ball race, then the spacing washer.

Draw off the large pinion from the splines.

Remove Seger clip from axle (situated behind drive pinion).

Warm the casing around self aligning bearing, and drive out axle with a heavy mallet or block of wood.

The axle should come out, bringing the self aligning bearing with it.

Between the self aligning bearing and the axle is a spacing washer. Be sure this is replaced the right way when assembling.

To remove chain adjuster, bend down locking tab of spider of three prong drive and remove bolt. Pull off three prong drive from splines, and remove chain tensioner.

Assembly in reverse order. Adjust chain tension and refill casing with oil.