How does one determine whether rear axles are needing replacing? I have my axles pulled (I am replacing rotted out dust shields) and the axles are showing some signs of wear (what I would consider normal I think). So how does on make a decision as to whether or not to put the axles back in, or replace them? Same thing with axles bearings...Is there a micrometer spec/tolerance that can help me in my decision? Is anyone turning down the axles and installing a different size bearing? Need some opinions....
Determining rear axle wear? Measurements needed?
- Thread starter klaird
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If you can see any irregularity in the bearing surface it's time to replace them. It should be shiny and smooth. Use your thumbnail to make sure the surface is absolutely smooth. You can buy some time with offset "repair bearings".
usually oil passing a seal is an indication the bearing has worn a groove in the axle. If there is a groove there is a way of using the axle by replacing the bearing with an axle saver bearing. It's a bearing and seal assembly that rides on a different portion of the axle
PonticacGP, I bought the axle savers. BCA/National Bearing Part # RP-5707. It looks very similar to the diagram you posted. Since you seem to be familiar with these bearings, what is the purpose of the "inside" seal. By inside I mean the seal that is closest to the differential. On the original bearing, there is only and outside seal. On this one piece unit there is an outside (wheel side) seal, an o-ring that is on the outer diameter of the bearing assembly and an inside seal. I am wondering why the inside seal. Wouldn't it be better to remove this inside seal to allow lube to bathe the bearing?? Appreciate your thoughts or anyone else who has installed these savers.
I have not seen one with an inside seal. We used them on the left side racing circle track. The axles would snap with the load on the axle in the corner so we used them to put the load nearer to the axle flange.
PontiacGP, here are two pics. One is the inside view and one is the outside view. Note seal on both inside and outside. What would you do if you were me? Remove inside seal to allow diff lube to bathe the bearing and trust the very small outside seal to hold, or keep the unit as is and trust the little bit of grease they prelubed it with will be adequate. This bearing area will not get any additional lube after install if I don't remove the inside seal.
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I'd leave it as it is. It looks like an upgraded design of the ones we used about 6 years ago. I imagine it's designed to allow oil to seep by that inner seal and it's just there to prevent a flood of oil hitting the outer seal when the can is cornering. If you have any concerns why not ask the manufacturer about them. But I wouldn't have any worries. There are forums with guys talking about the axle saver bearings and I have not seen any complaints..
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/archive ... 79146.html
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/archive ... 79146.html
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