Rear Axle Shaft / Bearing / Seal Replacement

infernicus · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:53 pm

Hello my fellow brethren..

Not to frighten you, but I have a couple questions, lol.
I have a noise from the rear and I'm pretty positive it is either the Rear Axle Shaft, Bearing or Seal, or all three.
I am definitely going to replace the bearing and seal.
Is it at all possible that the axle shaft can be messed up as well? Or can I simply replace the bearing and seal and call it a day?
I figure I can change the bearing and seal, visually inspect the axle shaft while I have it out and if I still have issues, then look into it further.

With that said, how terribly "easy" is replacing the bearing and seal?
I have the FSM and it looks relatively simple.
I know I'll have to remove the axle shaft to get to the bearing/seal. I've done research and see the axle shafts are held in by c-clips which I think I'm able to do.
It mentions using a "Bearing Removal Tool Set 6310 and Adapter Foot 6310-9" and an "Installer C-4198 and Handle C-4171"...
-How necessary are they in this process?

-Also, any specific brands to go with? I was thinking NAPA.

I apologize from the all-over-ness of this post.. and as always, thanks in advance!

{{Just some notes from the to keep things tidy and in one place..
Figure 3-210, Page 46
07 03507898AB - BEARING, Wheel (Rear)
08 52070427AB - SEAL, Axle Drive Shaft
10 52114423AA - SHAFT, Axle (Rear)
-
KJ - 8.25 Shaft - 30-7/8 inches and 29 splines }}

ridenby · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:45 pm

When I had a bearing bad in a 8.8 found the axle was slightly rough/grooved where it rode the bearing. I went cheap, replacing the bearing and seal,not the axle. All was well for 2 weeks then the noise returned. Replaced axle,seal,bearing been good since.

Go to autozone and borrow a slidehammer,bearing removal attachments,the bearing/seal install kit. Will need a couple QT.of axle oil,RTV to seal the cover back.

infernicus · **Posted:** Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:07 pm

Cool sounds good.
So you're saying the tools are definitely necessary?

Any one else have any other inputs?

ridenby · **Posted:** Mon Jun 04, 2012 5:42 pm

Removing the seal and bearing can be done without the tools but why make an ordeal out of something?? Just borrow the tools,save yourself some time and parts.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 04, 2012 8:41 pm

infernicus wrote:

Cool sounds good.
So you're saying the tools are definitely necessary?

Any one else have any other inputs?

If there is noise and it is from the axle bearing then yes replae the axle as well as the bearing/seal.Use the correct tools which will make the job very easy and will not ruin the tube end,you do not need to remove the seal before hand as you can pull the bearing and seal together with the correct tools.

With that out of the way it could be something else as the 8.25 is pretty known for trashing the pinion bearings if using synthetic gear oil and that is a much more involved repair better left to the pro's.

infernicus · **Posted:** Tue Jun 05, 2012 10:49 pm

Alright, I feel a little better and a little more scared, haha.

I was able to get the bearing and Bearing Removal tool from AutoZone.
I compared the bearing to Timken's site and its the correct one (Timken PN 6408)

hatteras8926 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:22 am

Infernicus:

How did the bearing removal and replacement go? I'm curious to know as I might be in the position of needing to replace the rear bearings on my ride as well.

Also, if anyone has any tips/tricks to make the job easier, or things to watch out for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rear Axle Shaft / Bearing / Seal Replacement

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