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1957-1960 Torque Ball Leak Repair Video

Discussion in 'Classic Buicks' started by Smartin, Jan 10, 2022.

  1. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    One of my least favorite jobs to do on one of these cars...so I figured I would record myself fumbling through for the world to see. Hopefully, it helps someone out.

     
    Smartin, Jan 10, 2022
    #1
    Dimsdale, FireRedGS455, Max Damage and 3 others like this.
  2. wildcat4

    wildcat4 Well-Known Member

    Thanks Adam
    You have just saved me a gob of time doing my dad’s limited!
    Awesome video

    keep keeping your mistakes in.
    Makes it VERY real
     
    wildcat4, Jan 10, 2022
    #2
    Smartin likes this.
  3. OHC JOE

    OHC JOE Mullet Mafia since 2020

    Just did my sons 51 Chevy couple of weeks ago
     
    OHC JOE, Jan 11, 2022
    #3
  4. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Thanks Erik!

    Joe, when did Chevy use this type of setup? And is it similar enough to apply?
     
    Smartin, Jan 11, 2022
    #4
  5. OHC JOE

    OHC JOE Mullet Mafia since 2020

    I believe until 1955
    Same type of set up basically
    Here are some pictures of it. IMG_20211211_154327696_HDR.jpg IMG_20211211_154334996.jpg
     
    OHC JOE, Jan 11, 2022
    #5
    Smartin likes this.
  6. Prairie Piston

    Prairie Piston Well-Known Member

    I’m subscribed and enjoy the videos. Learn a lot from Adam! Real world. Keep it going
     
    Prairie Piston, Jan 11, 2022
    #6
  7. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Although Chevs are similar they are easier to do than a Buick. AND, Chevs did not have a panhard rod or torque bars like Buick had so they wallow around more. Last for Chev torque tube was '54. Start of open drive was '55.
    Buick used the torque tube set-up for ride & handling purposes over open drive & it was a built in traction bar set-up also.
    I've done things a little bit diff. than Adam although the results were basically the same.
    I remember when I was going to a tech school back in the 60's I had to do a clutch in my '55 Special. The teacher wouldn't let me use the drive on lift as he thought I would be using the lift more than 1 day so I had to do it in the steam cleaning room. After I got it jacked up high enough & on jack stands & he came to inspect it to make sure it was safe & sturdy. I went about taking it apart. An hour later I asked him if he could road test it. He didn't believe I was done in an hour until I showed him the used/worn parts.
    After that he talked about it for weeks & to this day he still don't believe I was able to do it so quickly. I had LOTS of experience pulling that 5 bolt top cover trans. with the "Glass" gears repairing it that he didn't know about.

    Tom T.
     
    telriv, Jan 12, 2022
    #7
    FireRedGS455, 322bnh and Smartin like this.
  8. PGSS

    PGSS Silver Level contributor

    Subscribed..
    I never worked on a torque tube style shaft. Just what does the drive shaft?? look like thats in the tube?
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2022
    PGSS, Feb 19, 2022
    #8
  9. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Yes the “propeller shaft” runs inside the tube.

    Here is a pic of a 59 I have blown apart right now.
     

    Attached Files:

    Smartin, Feb 19, 2022
    #9
    PGSS likes this.
  10. PGSS

    PGSS Silver Level contributor

    Adam is the far right piece the propeller shaft?
    Capture.PNG
     
    PGSS, Feb 19, 2022
    #10
  11. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Yes. Female splines to mate up to the pumpkin. Male splines to mate to the torque ball at the trans. Giant paint in the ass to put together.
     
    Smartin, Feb 19, 2022
    #11
    PGSS likes this.
  12. PGSS

    PGSS Silver Level contributor

    Helped big time watching your replacement torque ball video to make out the male and female ends.
    I can imagine the how much of a pain in the ass it is but you do make it look easy:cool::cool:

    Why this annoying setup instead of a regular drive shaft? because of the dynaflow?
     
    PGSS, Feb 19, 2022
    #12
  13. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Because you have to dick with the entire rear end to replace a rear trans seal. When with just a driveshaft, all you have to do is pull the U joint straps on the rear yoke to pull the driveshaft out of the trans and replace the seal.

    The torque ball setup is notorious for leaking, too...so it's almost a given that if you buy one of these cars, you'll have to replace the seal...and more.
     
    Smartin, Feb 19, 2022
    #13
  14. 322bnh

    322bnh Well-Known Member

    Not because of the dynaflow, but dynaflow used because a step-gear transmission would be too harsh at every shift.
    Rebuilt components of a torque tube will last much longer than components of an open driveshaft. In over 150K miles I have not had to re-do anything on mine. In addition working on one is no different than anything else: turn wrenches to the left, replace parts, turn wrenches to the right. Performance: there is no axle wrap and wheel hop when accelerating; a high speed blowout on a rear tire is just an aggravation compared to leaf springs that result in the axle steering the car.
     
    322bnh, Feb 19, 2022
    #14
    PGSS likes this.
  15. PGSS

    PGSS Silver Level contributor

    Nice info..
    I would really need to see one in person to understand the whole layout. Diagrams help a bit though.
    I would guess there is a trade off for a smooth, a bit safer ride with a good amount of power loss from the flywheel back?
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2022
    PGSS, Feb 20, 2022
    #15
  16. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Also read my post #8

    Tom T.
     
    telriv, Feb 20, 2022
    #16
    PGSS likes this.
  17. PGSS

    PGSS Silver Level contributor

    I always do:cool:
     
    PGSS, Feb 21, 2022
    #17

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