52 SUPER CHEVY OCTOBER^2019TECH UP SIZING
The axleshafts have to be removed next
to accommodate the Wilwood parking
brakes. This is a -bolt axle with C-clip
security. You have to pull the differential
pan and remove the C-clips to free up
the axles.19
We’re at Hot Rod Specialties in Upland,
California, where Joel Rode showed us
this example of why you need to check
all of the hardware that’s going to be
reused. This is the bolt the retained the
pin (for the C-clips) in the Chevelle’s
-bolt rear. As you can see it was pretty
close to having a complete failure, so it’s
fortuitous that we were doing this install.20
Replace the axle bearings and seals while
you have the axle apart. Lubricate the
seal lips and bearings with rear axle lube
before reinstalling the axles or installing
new ones.21
The Wilwood parking brake assembly is
installed next along with a new bearing
and seal. This is why we had to pull the
axleshafts. The assembly came with
the caliper mounting bracket already
installed.22
We decided to inspect the old factory
axleshafts after we found the bearing
surfaces were extensively scored from
wear and tear. We decided to replace
them with Summit Racing axles, which
will bring rear axle integrity where it
needs to be. Always lift the axle during
installation and keep it off the seal to
prevent damage (and leakage).
We test-fit the new axles to confirm
the length was right before installing
the new wheel studs.23
The D brake rotor is next on each
side, paying close attention to the
directional arrows on each rotor for each
side. Our rotors were slotted and drilled
as well as E-coated black. If you’re on a
tighter budget and not so concerned
with looks, Wilwood does offer plain,
uncoated rotors.24
Wilwood’s D forged twin-piston billet
caliper is a direct bolt-on, lightweight,
high-strength, extreme-duty alternative
to drum brakes or cast caliper disc
brakes. The affordability of Wilwood’s
D calipers and brake pad compounds
make it a popular choice for drum-to-disc
conversions. It is a simple conversion you
can do yourself.25
Since these calipers are designed to
be used for both left- and right-hand
use, each caliper is fitted with two
brake bleeders. Only bleed the bleeder
facing up on each side. Air travels up in
the brake system, bleeding the upper
bleeders only will ensure we get as
much air out of the system as possible.26
Assembly of these brakes is
straightforward. Make sure the caliper is
centered on the rotor with uniform gaps
on each side. Where these calipers differ
from the fronts is how the brake pads
are installed. The pads go in the calipers
before the calipers are installed. These
are a floating-type caliper, which helps
lessen pad knockback during cornering.27