Rear Axle Bearing Question

Texvet · Jul 4, 2020

92 1500, SCLB, 2WB
I am preparing to replace the drivers side rear wheel bearing. It has been growling slightly and the seal is leaking. Went to the local AZ and pickup up the bearing, seal, dif cover gasket and some 80-90 oil. I rented a slide hammer and bearing removal tool set. They did not have a set of drivers to install the bearing and seal available.

Question is.... can the bearing and seal be installed with a chunk of 2X4? Or is the tolerance so tight that I will likely not be able to do it without the proper drivers? I have the bearing in the freezer. Not sure if there is a benefit in doing that. It did seem to make a difference when installing control arm bushing on my old Saab 900.

Schurkey · Jul 5, 2020

Why is this in "Engine Performance + maintenance"?

Don't forget to inspect the AXLE SHAFT.

Common as dirt for the axle shaft--which the bearing rollers ride on directly--to get augered-up.

A bearing driver is preferable, but I bet you can get it done with wood blocks. Don't leave any splinters inside.

Texvet · Jul 5, 2020

Not sure why I put in the wrong catagory. Will ask admin to move axle and brakes

Awest623 · Jul 5, 2020

I've seen people knock the bearings in using a large socket.

smdk2500 · Jul 5, 2020

In the past before having the correct tools have gotten the bearing started in the axle and then used the old bearing on top of the new one to get it the rest of the way in.

Texvet · Jul 5, 2020

I went to different AZ and they had a set of bearing and race drivers in their loan a tool stock. While I am a Hillbilly of the highest order, do feel better about having the right tool.
The slide hammer and bearing puller worked like a charm. Not sure how a guy would get that bearing out without that tool? 3 yanks on that slide hammer and it was out!!!
Thanks for your feedback.

kenh · Jul 5, 2020

As mentioned take a close look at the axle itself. If it has a frosted surface you may consider replacing it. If it is pitted you have to replace it or it will tear up the new bearing pretty quickly. Here is a link to see what kind of damage you have if any.

https://www.regalbeloit.com/brands/Browning/bearing-failures

Ken

Texvet · Jul 5, 2020

kenh said:
As mentioned take a close look at the axle itself. If it has a frosted surface you may consider replacing it. If it is pitted you have to replace it or it will tear up the new bearing pretty quickly. Here is a link to see what kind of damage you have if any.

https://www.regalbeloit.com/brands/Browning/bearing-failures

Ken

Good site Ken - I bookmarked for reference and to share with others.

Texvet · Jul 6, 2020

Thanks again for the feedback - All back together. Haven't test driven yet. It's 95 degrees and I am cooling off first.
Nothing I read prepared me for the possibility that those little gears held in place by that steel pin could fall out when installing the axles!! I bumped one of them when sliding the axle in - I heard a clunk, and sure as hell one was laying in the bottom of the housing. As soon a I pulled that one out the other on fell. It takes a little fiddling to get them back in place.

Rear Axle Bearing Question

Texvet

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Schurkey

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Texvet

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Awest623

A juicy girl got me, again

smdk2500

I'm Awesome

Texvet

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kenh

I see nothing I hear nothing

Texvet

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Texvet

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