When to replace Dana 44 bearings?

[MDPotter]

I've got a Dana 44 rear axle and I'm wondering if I should replace wheel bearings and seals. The truck has 35,000 miles on it and I'm pretty sure they've never been changed. Are there any indicators I can look for without taking it apart to determine if they need to be changed? Or due to age is it a necessary task?

I don't know a lot about axles, but from the research I've done I'll have to pull a drum off and take out the bolts behind the hub and pull the axle out and then carefully destroy the race and the bearing to remove them and then press on the new.

[Steeveedee]

The bearing presses onto the axle shaft? If it ain't leaking grease or rumbling, I'd just drive it.

[special-K]

Only 35,000 miles on the truck? They should be fine. Most last the life of the vehicle... unless lube got low due to a leaky seal

[MDPotter]

I didn't take note of how much oil was in the diff, but quite a bit came out. I will be pulling the drums off to rebuild the brakes, I'll look for leaks when I do that and see if there are any apparent issues.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[special-K]

Always good to remove, clean, and inspect. If you can't remove w.o destroying then I guess you'll be replacing them. If you do, try to get Timken brand.