Repack bearings for rear diff. fluid change?

[jqram35]

Is it really neccessary to repack the outer bearings if you are just going to change gear oil in rear differencial? I can see that for installing new bearings but not for an oil change, what does everybody else do?

 

[JTroiano]

I've never heard of that? With new bearings you should have some type of lube on them. If you are just replacing the lube they should be alright due to the old gear oil on them.

Jon

 

[klenger]

I don't know much at all about axles, but arn't the rear wheel bearings lubricated by the differental fluid? If so, there should not be any grease in them.

 

[JTroiano]

Yes they are Ken, but I put new ones in a chevy 14 bolt and they made a squeeling noise all the way home because they were dry and it took a little bit for the gear oil to lube them up. I think I could have just soaked them in gear oil and they would have been fine. So it shouldn't be a problem changing gear oil.

Jon

 

[DennyDay]

Rear Bearings

This was to over new bearing installation!

I've always dipped them in a coffee can with whatever gear oil I'm using prior to assembly, do the seal also. Can be kinda' messy if your not careful, but never had a problem. Had a buddy that always coated the bearings with white grease (wasn't as messy)

Denny

 

[Cooker]

I agree with the others.



To change the fluid you shouldn't have to do anything to the bearings. There will be gear oil left on the bearings and a little will remain in the hub.

 

[LSMITH]

The rear diff needs to have the proper oil level in it for the wheel bearings to get proper lubrication. When you are refilling the diff get it to the proper level and jack up one side of the axle 8 inches or so. Give it a minute to let the oil run down to the bearings then let it down and give it a few more minutes for it to run back out into the diff case. Do the same for the other side. Then refill to the proper level in the diff case. The reason for doing it this way is that there is some lube trapped in the axle tubes and you want to make sure that the tubes have enough oil in them. You then refill the case so all are filled properly. Hope this helps.

 

[jqram35]

Thanks for the replies. I can't find that reference any more that said the grease packing needed to be done. I need to go buy the real service manuals.

 

[Extreme1]

The FSM states that you should pack the bearings with grease.



DON'T DO IT!!



Do the axle tilt method above.



For more info: BOMB Your Rear Hubs!