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.

 

[heminut]

The tapered bearings do not get lubed by the differential lube. That seal closest to the axle housing in the diagram is inside of the bearing and seals the diff lube from the bearings outward. The bearings are hand packed with grease before installing on the axles and after that, you just get grease into them the best you can when the axle is out. Needle tip on a grease gun is probably the best way.

 

[Xcudame]

Thanks for the info Heminut!

 

[Kuruton]

For anyone interested, I ended up replacing the inner seals, then ordered new pre-built axles from Dr.diff to avoid jerking around with bearings and because my studs were too short currently anyways after my disc conversion. Comes with the "new" green bearings pre-installed as controversial as they may be lol.

Haven't taken it out for a spin yet but I'll report back on how it works out.

 

[Ricks72Chlgr440]

For anyone interested, I ended up replacing the inner seals, then ordered new pre-built axles from Dr.diff to avoid jerking around with bearings and because my studs were too short currently anyways after my disc conversion. Comes with the "new" green bearings pre-installed as controversial as they may be lol.

Haven't taken it out for a spin yet but I'll report back on how it works out.

I used the green bearings back in the 80's and they failed miserably. The newer green bearings are excellent, and they don't require the adjuster & setting the preload. Much easier as in you can just install them and forget!

 

[Kuruton]

I used the green bearings back in the 80's and they failed miserably. The newer green bearings are excellent, and they don't require the adjuster & setting the preload. Much easier as in you can just install them and forget!

I'm glad to hear it. That seemed to be the sentiment I had gathered but it still seems like a touchy subject haha.

Hoping to work on a few other small issues tomorrow then take it out for a spin

 

[mrmopar340]

Glad to hear the positive notes on the newer green axle bearings. I just put a set on mine about a year ago. Again, great info sharing on this site.