Gentleman. I picked up a 26 coupe that is in need of more parts than it has on it. So, I have plenty of work to do. But, my question is about the rear axle. With the rear wheels off, if I spin one axle, the other goes the opposite direction. As it should. But when I turn the Crank, and the hand brake is in "2nd" gear, only one wheel turns. What would be the cause for only one wheel turning. Shouldn't both turn the same direction? When I got the car, there was a problem with one half of the axle housing. So, I did unbolt it, remove the damaged side and put the new one on. Installed one new axle bearing, washer, felt seal and end cap. Other than that, nothing. Any ideas?
Your situation is normal. When you had the axle housing off did it have bronze thrust washers or were they Babbitt? If Babbitt you need to change them as the Babbitt will disintegrate and fail.
It looked bronze. i am not sure what the Babbitt is. I have only had this one apart and have no experience in rebuilding the rear axle. The thrust was sandwiched between steel washers. The thrust washer looked a little crusty.
If it was crusty it is probably be babbitt and needs to be replaced. If you are unsure, take it out and rap it against something hard like your work bench, if it is ancient babbitt it will break.
Charles -- The good ones are bronze, which is brass-colored. The original babbit ones are gray. They are brittle and can disintegrate under stress.
To your original question, when turning the driveshaft, one or both axles would turn.if only one is turning, it only means the other had more drag on it. Could be a brake dragging or just more friction on one side.
If you don't have it, you want the axle book: http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html
Here's info on the thrust washers: http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG79.html