Advice Replacing Carrier Bearing

[NoNeck]

I need to replace the carrier bearing in the center of the two piece driveshaft on a '70 GMC. After researching the steps involved, it seems like it would be fairly simple. I understand that the driveshafts need to me marked in order to keep them in "phase". I just want to do it right the first time.

Does anyone have any photos that I could reference to change it out? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Wayne

[bollybib]

Posts #72 - 74 in my Project thread might be of use.

[NoNeck]

Thanks, Jim. That is exactly the info I needed. So, you used the O'Reilly bearing combined with the NAPA rubber isolator? Would I be better off just purchasing the whole assembly from NAPA?

Wayne

[bollybib]

NAPA sells the support assembly alone (without the bearing) so I got that since I had already replaced the bearing. Frankly, I don't think there was anything wrong with the original bearing. I'd stick with NAPA regardless. Go to napaonline.com type in "support" for your truck and it should show you all the options.

[JointTech]

might want to have the shaft looked at while its out.
I had to replace my bearing and when I took it to the shop to have them balance it found out it was basically shot and they had to weld new ends on it.

[GRX]

Good idea to replace the u-joints while you are at it.

[Coley]

I just did the whole 'kit and kabootle' on my '72 (1/2 ton) a couple of months ago including all 3 u-joints and the hanger bearing.
Everything worked out great, including the phasing, just keep track of what is going where in terms of u-joint ends, driveshafts and the sequence of removal and install. The net result is the truck and drivetrain run out great, no vibration, squeaks or otherwise.
The toughest part is having the right pullers, etc to not only press out (and in) the U-joints but also the spline unit on the centre bearing.
Get some liquid wrench on everything before you start....ideally a night or two before and give everything in there a good 'tap' with the ball pein hammer to help the lubricant get in there.
Note: the links to bollybibs undertaking are great refs for this.Good Luck
Coley

[Sicklajoie]

When the bracket for the carrier bearing broke a few weeks ago I got the NAPA bracket and bearing for $55.
I took the whole driveshaft assembly to my local driveshaft shop. They replaced all 3 u-joints and installed the bearing for $100.

[GRX]

Removing the u-joints is pretty easy if you know how. No pullers or press needed, just a vise to hold the shaft and a hammer. Many of the factory joints were held in by a nylon injection method. Heat the yokes properly and the nylon will ooze out like one of those 4th of july snakes. Tap and remove.

[First c10]

This is my first post.
I have a question my carrier bearing is different it is a clamshell type does anyone have pictures of one or where I can locate them. The two kinds my parts store has will not work. They are like the one on the lick above on post 72-75.
My truck is a 1970 c10 lwb with leafs.
Thanks in advance!
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[brad_man_72]

I'm glad to see more people using driveline shops!
I can't count how many shafts I've seen ruined by people who put them in a vice. Or how many ujoints I've seen ruined by people pressing them in.
I think its pretty easy to replace a carrier bearing and a ujoints, but I fix a lot of driveshafts that have been completely trashed by people who call themselfs mechanics. So I could be wrong.

Just take it to a shop, they will be able to easily spot a worn slip and stub, or worn splines on a bolt on yoke, or a bad washer on your bolt on yoke, junk weld yoke, or a bent tube, or a bad home shortening job and be able to fix it for you correctly.
Best case scenario all of your 40 year old parts are in good shape and you just need to replace wearing parts and have the shaft checked for ballance so your new parts will last another 40 years.
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[GRX]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

I'm glad to see more people using driveline shops!
I can't count how many shafts I've seen ruined by people who put them in a vice. Or how many ujoints I've seen ruined by people pressing them in.
I think its pretty easy to replace a carrier bearing and a ujoints, but I fix a lot of driveshafts that have been completely trashed by people who call themselfs mechanics. So I could be wrong.

Agreed. I have fixed a lot of screwed up drive shafts at work over the years as well. Many guys beat the living piss out of their yokes with hammer and vice when all that was required was a little heat from a hand torch to soften the nylon holding the u-joints in.

[slikside]

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