Anyone have experience with rear axle bearings and seals?

[Crunch]

I thought I was getting a wear indicator telling me my back brakes were worn because I was hearing a squeak. Had the brake service done, but the squeak is still there and I was told that my rear axle seals are leaking. Now I am thinking it is probably a bearing. If I turn the steering wheel slightly to the right the squeaking stops. The quoted cost for replacing the seals is just under $300, but the cost for the bearings depends on what type they are. I was told that if they are the pressed in type the cost is upwards of $800. Does anyone know what type of rear axle bearings are in the `03 2500s, or have experience dealing with the rear axle bearings?



Thanks.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Just did mine a couple weeks ago. They are standard tapered bearings. Mine were good. They are lubricated by the axle grease in the pumpkin. I had a bad seal on one side. It was really easy to replace. The seal cost $39. The races are most likely pressed in.

Although this video is for a dually, it gives you a good idea what it takes. .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PCPJ_6afI4&list=UUOuIbwcfo4ty1UGke_DZ8DA&index=8&feature=plcp

Also here are picture I took while doing mine. . not a lot of help but better than nothing.

http://www.getdieselpower.com/cars/dodge/2004_Cummins/Brakes/Back/album/

 

[Bob4x4]

We have full floating axles... . no axle bearings. we have hub bearings

The axles do not carry any weight

 

[Yo Hoot]

We have full floating axles... . no axle bearings. we have hub bearings

The axles do not carry any weight

Thanks Bob. I didn't think about that as the question. I just assumed he meant the bearings for the rear.

 

[Bob4x4]

It was a question his shop had ,they must not have much of a knowledge base:-laf

 

[Yo Hoot]

It was a question his shop had ,they must not have much of a knowledge base:-laf

You're right and the fact that they don't know what type from the get go is a clue that would make me want to go elsewhere.

BTW trade price for the seals is $27 each.

So they make $546 real quick.

 

[Crunch]

It was a question his shop had ,they must not have much of a knowledge base:-laf

I think it's me that lacks the knowledge base. When they told me my axle seals were leaking I jumped to the conclusion that is was axle bearings because of the squeak. So now I guess I have another hub to replace, since they are sealed and can't be disassembled.

 

[Yo Hoot]

I think it's me that lacks the knowledge base. When they told me my axle seals were leaking I jumped to the conclusion that is was axle bearings because of the squeak. So now I guess I have another hub to replace, since they are sealed and can't be disassembled.

Only the fronts are sealed.

 

[Crunch]

Only the fronts are sealed.

Sorry for being so thick-headed here, but now I'm confused. If the back bearings aren't sealed, does this mean I can purchase just the replacement bearings and don't have to replace the hub? The lack of zerk fittings has always been a strange thing to me, compounded when I had to replace an entire hub on the front. Old school bearings I understand.

 

[mwilson]

Sorry for being so thick-headed here, but now I'm confused. If the back bearings aren't sealed, does this mean I can purchase just the replacement bearings and don't have to replace the hub? The lack of zerk fittings has always been a strange thing to me, compounded when I had to replace an entire hub on the front. Old school bearings I understand.

Yes, you can replace bearings, races and seals in the rear hubs.

They are simple tapered roller bearings.

The only that you find a little different is that they are not packed with grease, they run in the same gear oil as the differential just like a big truck.



So to recap, the front hubs and bearings are sealed units.



Rear hubs are old school with replaceable bearings and races.



Mike.

 

[Bob4x4]

Be forewarned pack the rear bearings before installing

they will not get oiled quick enough on their own

 

[Yo Hoot]

Be forewarned pack the rear bearings before installing

they will not get oiled quick enough on their own

Good point. I just soak them with the gear lube. I had a half quart on the shelf. When I took it for the first ride I made sure I drove the rear up on a curb to get the lube down to the end of the axle.

 

[Bob4x4]

I had a thick headed tech (term used loosely) working for me and didn't want to listen. He did hub bearings in a c60,truck made it about 50 miles before melt down. I sent him out to redo the job along the interstate. He never made that mistake again

 

[Prairie Dog]

I didn't see it in the video but isn't there a gasket on the inside flange of the axle shaft?

 

[mwilson]

I pre-oil the bearings as well rather than pack them.

I know that the grease is suppossed to dissolve but I don't care to mix the grease with the synthetic gear lubes, it never bothered me to do that with the dino oil.



After I put it together I make sure that the rear axle is full of gear oil, then jack one side of the rear axle housing up a ways so the gear oil flows into the opposite hub and leave it that way for 10-15 minutes. Then change to the opposite side and repeat.



Always worked well on the big trucks.



Mike.

 

[rscurtis]

When ever I worked on a floater, I jack up the opposite side, and when I see oil coming down the axle tube, I reinstall the axle and let it sit a while. Pre-oiling is a good insurance policy. "OO" grease is also good for this purpose.



The only truck I ever worked on that used dry hubs was a '63 International PU, the bearing retaining nut had a face seal to keep axle oil from entering the bearing cavity. It was one of IH's own rears with a removable carrier.

 

[Crunch]

Yes, you can replace bearings, races and seals in the rear hubs.

They are simple tapered roller bearings.

The only that you find a little different is that they are not packed with grease, they run in the same gear oil as the differential just like a big truck.



So to recap, the front hubs and bearings are sealed units.



Rear hubs are old school with replaceable bearings and races.



Mike.

Thanks for the responses. I've got a clearer picture of how the rear end is assembled now. Would I be correct in concluding that the bad bearing is a likely culprit for the seal leaking?

 

[mwilson]

Could be just a bad seal.



Other reasons can be a bad bearing, plugged rear end vent, overfilled with gear oil, improper bearing adjustment, groove worn in sealing surface.



When you get it apart look everything over.



Mike.

 

[BDaugherty]

Where is everyone getting their bearings from? I need to replace my rear wheel bearings, but I have enough time to shop around for the best price. I guess I could call the parts store, but just trying to look them up online leave a lot to be desired when it comes to knowing if I'm getting the right ones.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Got mine at NAPA. $39 retail, $27 trade price. Each.

They were in stock.