rear wheel bearing install ?

[blazer2007]

I need to change rear bearing on my 80 half ton open diff. Never done it before but no stranger on working on the truck. Looks pretty straight forward, any tips on making the job go smoothly and what kinda time frame do you think I,m looking at

[twinturboc10]

A slide hammer with three jaw puller will get the old one out. Usually the axle is really worn where the bearing rides, so don't be surprised to find a groove in it. You can get bearings that shift the rollers a little further out to ride on an unworn area, but it's only a 1/4" or so. If I remember right these have the seal built in.

[mongocanfly]

^^^ditto^^^...and if the axle is grooved don't use it...replace it

[blazer2007]

Thanks, I will check out availability on new axles in advance so no down time. I don,t see any 3 prong pullers here just the swivel type

[mongocanfly]

O'Reilly around here has them in their loan a tool program

[Dead Parrot]

Should be a 1 day job for a first timer assuming you don't find a major problem and can get/borrow the proper tools.

Since you will have everything off and apart, if your rear brakes or shocks need any service, this would be a good time to do it. If you haven't inspected your rear brakes in a while, check on replacement part availability before you start, just in case. If brake condition unknown, study how to get worn drums off before you start. Can be a PITA.

[Tash4]

A slide hammer works better but a 3 jaw puller will work. If axle is wore a little twinturbo is right about the bearing, its called a repair bearing part #rp6408 its a bearing & seal combo .

[blazer2007]

Originally Posted by Tash4

A slide hammer works better but a 3 jaw puller will work. If axle is wore a little twinturbo is right about the bearing, its called a repair bearing part #rp6408 its a bearing & seal combo .

I saw on u tube some guy struggling with the 3 prong one but the swivel one worked on all the videos. cross my fingers

[blazer2007]

Thanks for the help.We don,t have o,reillys here .I,m getting my poop in a group and finding most stuff and prices on and how long to get them on axles etc.just in case. NAPA has most stuff but axles are pretty pricey there. We do have have a rental shop in town,have to check them out.

[D13]

Biggest issue is getting the cross pin locking bolt out without breaking it, and then the axle clips. You have to push the axle in to get the clips off.

[blazer2007]

Originally Posted by D13

Biggest issue is getting the cross pin locking bolt out without breaking it, and then the axle clips. You have to push the axle in to get the clips off.

thanks ,now u got me worried

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by blazer2007

thanks ,now u got me worried

You do have to be careful, but don't be too worried. Mine came out no problem and it was the first time my diff was opened in 50 years. Not saying they can't break, but they don't all break.

[blazer2007]

got all my scenarios covered now, broken bolt doesn,t look that bad to fix if I have to. Is there a better bolt to replace it with ?