Replacing mid shaft bearing on driveshaft...need a little help

[dldowner]

Hello All,

I am replacing the mid shaft bearing on my 1966 Chevy, the driveshaft is two pieces, there is a bolt that seems to be holding the 2 pieces together in the center (splined). Is this bolt a right handed thread? It's awful tight. Or is it a left handed thread?

Thanks

[goofy063]

From what i remember its rt hand but my rememberer doesn't work to well anymore

[Wrenchbender Ret]

It is right hand threads but it usually is tight & a hard place to get to. I have a ground down wrench I have used on them. Sometimes you have to disassemble the U-joint to get to it.

[Rust-O-Matic]

I did mine last year, and as far as I can remember it is just a normal bolt. I believe I stuck the shaft in a vice and zipped the bolt out with a deep socket on an impact wrench.

[4x4k30]

Originally Posted by dldowner

Hello All,

I am replacing the mid shaft bearing on my 1966 Chevy, the driveshaft is two pieces, there is a bolt that seems to be holding the 2 pieces together in the center (splined). Is this bolt a right handed thread? It's awful tight. Or is it a left handed thread?

Thanks

if you heat it up it should break loose a small propane torch will do it .

[jayoldschool]

And, you may need a torch and a press to remove and replace the bearing.

[dldowner]

Thank you all for the info...

I took the advice of another member and brought the driveshaft to a local shop that specializes in driveshaft repairs. They have the presses and experience to make it a quick turnaround.

Plus I still get to keep the skin on my knuckles and the cursing to a minimum.

[f66]

Here are some pics of my drive shaft project. Have everything pulled apart, and now waiting for parts, beadblast, paint, and then reassembly.

[Captainfab]

Depending on the intended use of your truck, you might consider upgrading to the HD driveshaft and carrier bearing instead of keeping the light duty version. Those particular driveshafts and carrier bearing are why so many people hate 2 piece driveshafts.

[f66]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Depending on the intended use of your truck, you might consider upgrading to the HD driveshaft and carrier bearing instead of keeping the light duty version. Those particular driveshafts and carrier bearing are why so many people hate 2 piece driveshafts.

Captainfab, do you have a link or part numbers for the HD drive shaft and carrier bearing? Thanks

[jayoldschool]

Good pics, f66! Sure looks familiar. I didn't have that nice sharp jaw puller you have, would have saved me the torch and press work. Luckily I do have both at the school shop.

Definitely use a local truck driveline shop if you don't have the specialty tools needed to get the bearing off. Those guys are always great, and their prices usually are, too. Doing little stuff like this is a gravy job for them.