Rear Axle: Installing rear axle key on 1953

[scottsewall]

I'm putting the brakes back together on my 1953 Champion and am not sure how to install the axle key.

The axle key has a slight taper on one end.

Does the tapered end point in towards the differential our out, and does the tapered end face the axle or away from it?

Below is a picture of the key, hopefully you can see the slight taper on the end.

Thanks in advance.

-- Scott

[62champ]

The tapered end goes toward the axle and to the inside - basically the taper mirrors the groove in the key way.

Always taught to push the drum on first as far as possible (put nothing on the axle seating area or inside of the drum - should just be clean and nothing else) and line up the key way with the drum. Then push the key flush with the face of the drum housing, then on with the washer and proceed as per the shop manual.

Good luck.

[RadioRoy]

The tapered end goes toward the axle and to the inside - basically the taper mirrors the groove in the key way.

Always taught to push the drum on first as far as possible (put nothing on the axle seating area or inside of the drum - should just be clean and nothing else) and line up the key way with the drum. Then push the key flush with the face of the drum housing, then on with the washer and proceed as per the shop manual.

Good luck.

That's exactly the way to do it.

[Ron Dame]

Just to reiterate: no grease or oil in the axle taper or in the hub.