Axle Bearing Service
Worn or damaged bearings in the carrier or on the axles produce a CONSTANT whirring or humming sound. These bearings, when bad, make about the same sound whether accelerating, decelerating, or coasting. When diagnosing and repairing bearing failures, do the following:

Check the general condition of all parts during disassembly,, not just the most badly worn or damaged parts.

Compare the failure to any added information in the service manual and your knowledge of the components operation.

Determine the cause of the part failure. This helps in assuring that the problems do NOT reoccur.

Perform all repairs following the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.

When an axle bearing is faulty, it must be removed from the axle or housing carefully and a new one installed. Depending on the type of axle configuration determines how the bearing is to be removed and replaced. Always refer to the manufacturer's service manual for instructions for the removal and installation of the bearing.

The procedures we will discuss are for a semifloating axle with the bearing and collar pressed on. With the axle removed from the vehicle, proceed as follows:

NOTE

Procedures for axle removal may be found
in the service manual for the applicable
vehicle.

1. Carefully cut off the collar with a grinder and a sharp chisel.

2. With the collar off, place the axle in a hydraulic press. The driving tool should be positioned so that it contacts the inner bearing race. Use the press to push the axle through the bearing.

3. To install the new bearing, slide the bearing onto the axle. Make sure that the bearing is facing the right direction. Some bearings have a chamfered edge on the inner bearing race, which must face the axle flange.

4. Applying force on the inner bearing race, press the bearing into place by pressing the axle back through the bearing. Then press the collar or retaining ring onto the axle.

WARNING
Wear eye and face protection when grinding or chiseling the collar from the axle. Small metal particles may fly into your eyes causing eye damage.

NEVER press on the outer race; bearing damage or explosion will result.

Wear face and eye protection when pressing a bearing on or off the axle shaft. The tremendous pressure used can cause the bearing to shatter and fly into your face with deadly force.

CAUTION
Do NOT attempt to press the bearing and collar on at the same time. Bearing and collar damage can result.

Axle Seal Service
Rear axle lubricant leaks can occur at numerous spots, such as the pinion gear seal, carrier or inspection cover gaskets, and at the two axle seals. The leak will show up as a darkened, oily, dirty area below the pinion gear, carrier, or on the inside of the wheel and brake assembly.

Always make sure that a possible axle seal leak is not a brake fluid leak. Touch and smell the wet area to determine the type of leak.

Anytime the axle is removed for service, it is wise to install a new axle seal. This action ensures that the seal between the axle and axle seal is tight. The axle seal is normally force-fitted in the end of the axle housing.

To remove a housing mounted seal, use a slide hammer puller equipped with a hooknose. Place the hook on the metal part of the seal. With an outward jerk on the puller slide, pop out the seal. If a slide hammer puller is not available, a large screwdriver will also work.

CAUTION
Do NOT use a cutting torch to remove the collar and bearing. The heat will weaken and damage the axle.
Be careful not to scratch the bearing bore in the axle housing.

Make sure that you have the correct new seal. Its outside and inside diameters must be the same as the old seal. A seal part number is stamped on the outside of the seal. This number and the seal manufacturer's name will assist you when ordering a new seal.

Before installing the new seal, coat the outer diameter with a non-hardening sealer. Coat the inside of the seal with lubricant that is the same grade that is in the axle assembly. With the seal facing in the right direction (sealing lip towards inside of the housing), drive the seal squarely into place, using a seal-driving tool. Be careful not to bend the metal seal housing or a leak can result. Make sure the seal is fully seated.