Rear wheel bearings and seals

[Kuruton]

Hello all,

Looking to replace my axle rear inner seals and wheel bearing on a 73 Challenger because of a leak and some noise at speed. I've read a bit if conflicting info online so I want to make sure I order all the correct parts. (Shipping to where I live takes forever, so I want to get the right parts in one go)

My axle don't have any method of adjusting pressure on the bearing race like I've seen some do online. Currently running standard tapered bearings however.

I have access to a press but no specialized tools specifically for this purpose. Can someone please reassure me on everything I will need to buy to replace the bearings, seals, etc. Thanks

 

[pschlosser]

You sure you need to do the bearings? Sometimes, a noisy differential can be hard to distinguish from a failing axle bearing. The discoloration on the bearing surface shown by your photo looks typical of a worn seal. And if you have leakage, you would know you need new seals.

Removing the bearings from the axle can be done using hand tools. I'm sure there are many youtube videos showing the procedure.

Since you're gonna have to wait for shipping, no matter what, deal with a company that knows their stuff, and can assure you, and succeed in getting you the right parts you need for the job. One example: Dr. Diff.

 

[Kuruton]

You sure you need to do the bearings? Sometimes, a noisy differential can be hard to distinguish from a failing axle bearing. The discoloration on the bearing surface shown by your photo looks typical of a worn seal. And if you have leakage, you would know you need new seals.

Removing the bearings from the axle can be done using hand tools. I'm sure there are many youtube videos showing the procedure.

Since you're gonna have to wait for shipping, no matter what, deal with a company that knows their stuff, and can assure you, and succeed in getting you the right parts you need for the job. One example: Dr. Diff.

I'm not sure if need new bearings, but there was absolutely no grease, and has kind of been self lubricating via the gear oil leaking past the seals, so I figured it was better safe than sorry.

I appreciate the info!

 

[Xcudame]

I thought the tapered bearings were oiled by the rear end oil! Am I missing something? The tapered bearings are inside the sealed up area of the entire rear axle. If the axles are already pulled out, no reason you can't use a needle tip on a great gun and install more grease in them.

 

[Kuruton]

I thought the tapered bearings were oiled by the rear end oil! Am I missing something? The tapered bearings are inside the sealed up area of the entire rear axle. If the axles are already pulled out, no reason you can't use a needle tip on a great gun and install more grease in them.

That's kind of what I had initially assumed but it seems wrong after some reading?

The inner seals are meant to keep any oil from getting to the bearings/grease from getting into the diff, and the outer gaskets are just meant to keep dirt and debris from getting in. I'd love to be wrong though

 

[Xcudame]

Looking at the diagram below, I see nothing stopping the rear end oil from getting to the axle bearings.

 

[Kuruton]

Looking at the diagram below, I see nothing stopping the rear end oil from getting to the axle bearings.

View attachment 133510

Would it not be the item labeled "oil seal"?

 

[Xcudame]

Perhaps so. It's been about 25 years since I've been into a rear axle. Regardless, the tapered bearings don't wear out too often. And if they do, not to hard to replace if you have a press available.