2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Hub Bearing Q's

[biggy238]

Is this a pretty straight forward repair?



I'm dreading having to give up my saturday for this... but it must be done. 215K on what i'm guessing are the stock rear wheel bearings.



Do I need to replace the races? Or should I just inspect them throroughly? I'm going to order them, just in-case I need them and won't have my truck down an inordinate amount of time.



I noticed the rear end is getting a vibration that I thought was the limited slip popping. I also noticed an increase in stopping distance.

I got in under it today to make sure I had fluid (still thinking the diff was the prob) and saw the dreaded tire stripes of hub DEATH.



I'm trying to come up with a good place to get a magnetic based dial indicator by this weekend to set the run-out.



Any tips, tricks, or things to look out for would be helpful.



Kyle



(Edited my crack addict typing :-laf )

 

[Nate]

IMO the Haynes manual is incorrect for the rear hubs.



What you can do is tighten to the specs Haynes called for, but back it off until there is no drag, but the hub can't "freespool". With the Haynes specs, it made my hubs way too loose. I could push in and out on it and get a good 1/8" of movement.

 

[biggy238]

Oh, the specs on the hubs aren't an option for me... . That's how rigs are adjusted and 3-5 thousandths is nationally accepted... And that's how I learned to do it at school. . Torque to set preload, back off a hex (or two depending on manufacturer) torque to load spec and check for proper runout... . I want these babies on here a looooong time.



I'm more curious about the seal and the races... I've never actually replaced a race before. I've just inspected and re-used... somehow I doubt mine are in "re-use" condition.





Also, do these rearends get a specific grease on the bearing packs? I know the fronts are non serviceable and the grease liquifies (gee... wonder how I learned that lesson)



Would this be a good time to switch to a full synthetic rear lube? I was going to try and wait until I could get a PML pan but I guess that's not an option now.