Drive Axle Bearing Replacement

[Fisherman]

I have a problem with my rear passenger wheel whobbling. I changed the wheel to the spare and it still whobbles, therefore, I believe the drive axle and axle bearing are to blame. Does anyone have experience replacing the axle bearing that can give directions. Any special tools? I notice you can buy a drive axle bearing repair kit. Should I be using this. Any info is appreicated. Thanks

 

[FMExplorer]

If you suspect the bearing, dopn't drive it!

In a nutshell, here are the steps...
remove diff cover and drain
remove pass. tire and drum brake assembly - including backplates

remove 8mm retaining bolt in the center pin of the diff
slide out diff center pin
push pass. axle in to center
remove c-clip
slide axle completely out
remove seal on pass. side with seal puller
check bearing - if any signs of wear, remove using a slide hammer

if there is a bearing race, replace it
re-assemble in reverse order

Be sure there is no metal floating around the differntial when you take the cover off. If there is, you need to check everything in the axle - not just the bearing.

Jon

 

[GR899V8]

Sounds more like a bent axle if there is a "wobble". I'd jack up, remove the pass tire, put a dial indicator on the flat part of the axle hub and roll the axle to check it before trying to replace bearings. If it checks okay, you haven't lost anything.

 

[MrShorty]

If you decide for sure to replace the bearings, it goes just like FMExplorer said. You'll need a "rear axle bearing puller" that took me two weeks to get a hold of last fall when I replaced mine. ou can find them online or from a specialty tool shop (like snapon). They look like a hinged foot or T that goes onto the end of a slide hammer. (I loaned the slide hammer from Autozone).
Also, be careful when removing the center pin (also called pinion shaft) lock bolt. It's got thread lock on it and, I've heard, often gets broken off.