When to Replace Axles

[bllk665]

It's time to replace the axle bearings on my 2002 Explorer 4x4 with 150,000 miles. The 'serpentine' test indicates noise from passenger side bearing is worse than drivers side, but replacing both at the same time makes sense to me.

There is no apparent noise from the differential or elsewhere in the driveline.

While replacing bearings, under what circumstances would you recommend replacing axles?

Can axles be 'refurbished'?

 

[unclemeat]

Most people only replace axles when they break. If you have done heavy duty use of your X (heavy towing, hardcore wheeling, bigger tires, ext.) then it may be a good idea to upgrade replace. But for normal use, the axles shold last the life of the vehicle.

 

[bllk665]

Thank you for your speedy reply.

I should have been more exact in my question.

Given I have noisy rear axle bearings, I am wondering if the load bearing 'chromed' finish on the axles could/would have been damaged by the bearings as they wore which might make it necessary to replace or refinish the axles so the new bearings do not wear out prematurely.

If wear damage is evident while replacing bearings, what is the usual or best course of action? How much visible wear would be acceptable? Could replacing bearings on worn/damaged axles be a cause of premature failure of the new bearings which some owners report?

I am not a 'do it yourselfer' so I am looking for advice in preparation for what to expect and what to instruct my local Ford dealer.

Can anyone suggest usual hours of labor for rear axle bearing replacement?

 

[unclemeat]

Rear axles I assume. When the rear bearings go they destroy the spindle. You can buy the bearings with or without the spindle. The trick of replacing the bearings is removing the damaged bearing. My mechanic uses a sawsall to cut through the bearing before pressing the old one out of th knuckle.

If I recall correctly replaciing rear bearing is a $300 to 500 each, depending on labor rates and parts. The other thing to check is the parking break. On mine, the pads delaminated and caused a grinding sound and damage.