Rear Axle Bearings and Seals

ChesterCRD · **Posted:** Fri Jul 15, 2016 1:57 pm

I'm getting ready to replace rear axle bearings and seals as I have one side leaking. Does anybody have any suggestions or things to watch out for? I think the process is roughly:

1. Drain the diff.
2. Disassemble brake, rotor, parking brake components.
3. Remove differential lock bolt.
4. Pull shafts.
5. Seat bearings and seals
6. Insert shafts
7. Reassemble it all

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Jul 15, 2016 3:30 pm

Is it a positraction OEM unit or open differential unit? Be sure and use the correct type of oil when refilling for the type of differential carrier you have.... Models equipped with the OEM Trac-Lok or similar type posi unit require an oil with a limited-slip additive. Manual lists 75W90 weight, but being in sunny Florida I would run the 75W140 weight oil for added protection! Otherwise, your list goods good. Note, hope you have the correct tool, inside puller/slide hammer, to remove the axle bearing if you are planning on replacing them. They are next to impossible to get out without the correct puller! :wink:

ChesterCRD · **Posted:** Fri Jul 15, 2016 3:44 pm

Thanks WWDiesel. It's an OEM diff without locking (has ESP). Good idea on the tool. I'll see what I can find. I have slide hammer for pulling out the axle (connects to the wheel studs), but not an inside grab arrangement for getting the bearing out.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Jul 15, 2016 3:52 pm

ChesterCRD wrote:

Thanks WWDiesel. It's an OEM diff without locking (has ESP). Good idea on the tool. I'll see what I can find. I have slide hammer for pulling out the axle (connects to the wheel studs), but not an inside grab arrangement for getting the bearing out.

Check with the autobox stores, some rent the needed tools, like Autozone... :wink:

ChesterCRD · **Posted:** Mon Jul 18, 2016 10:00 am

Well, you weren't kidding. Getting those old bearings out proved to be a chore. Otherwise it wasn't a bad job. So far the new seals are holding oil.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon Jul 18, 2016 11:23 am

Good Job! Glad you got-er-done!!!

Nothing like having an inside bearing puller/slide hammer when dealing with certain type bearings!!! :wink:

Rear Axle Bearings and Seals

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