Compare the failure to any added information in the service manual and your knowledge of the components operation.

Determine the cause of the part failure. This helps in assuring that the problems do NOT reoccur.

Perform all repairs following the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.

When an axle bearing is faulty, it must be removed from the axle or housing carefully and a new one installed. Depending on the type of axle configuration determines how the bearing is to be removed and replaced. Always refer to the manufacturer's service manual for instructions for the removal and installation of the bearing.

The procedures we will discuss are for a semifloating axle with the bearing and collar pressed on. With the axle removed from the vehicle, proceed as follows:

NOTE

Procedures for axle removal may be found in the service manual for the applicable vehicle.

1. Carefully cut off the collar with a grinder and a sharp chisel.

2. With the collar off, place the axle in a hydraulic press. The driving tool should be positioned so that it contacts the inner bearing race. Use the press to push the axle through the bearing.

3. To install the new bearing, slide the bearing onto the axle. Make sure that the bearing is facing the right direction. Some bearings have a chamfered edge on the inner bearing race, which must face the axle flange.

4. Applying force on the inner bearing race, press the bearing into place by pressing the axle back through the bearing. Then press the collar or retaining ring onto the axle.

CAUTION

Do NOT use a cutting torch to remove the collar and bearing. The heat will weaken and damage the axle.

WARNING Wear eye and face protection when grinding or chiseling the collar from the axle. Small metal particles may fly into your eyes causing eye damage.

NEVER press on the outer race; bearing damage or explosion will result.

Wear face and eye protection when pressing a bearing on or off the axle shaft. The tremendous pressure used can cause the bearing to shatter and fly into your face with deadly force.

CAUTION

Do NOT attempt to press the bearing and collar on at the same time. Bearing and collar damage can result.

Axle Seal Service

Rear axle lubricant leaks can occur at numerous spots, such as the pinion gear seal, carrier or inspection cover gaskets, and at the two axle seals. The leak will show up as a darkened, oily, dirty area below the pinion gear, carrier, or on the inside of the wheel and brake assembly.

Always make sure that a possible axle seal leak is not a brake fluid leak. Touch and smell the wet area to determine the type of leak.

Anytime the axle is removed for service, it is wise to install a new axle seal. This action ensures that the seal between the axle and axle seal is tight. The axle seal is normally force-fitted in the end of the axle housing.

To remove a housing mounted seal, use a slide hammer puller equipped with a hooknose. Place the hook on the metal part of the seal. With an outward jerk on the puller slide, pop out the seal. If a slide hammer puller is not available, a large screwdriver will also work.

CAUTION

Be careful not to scratch the bearing bore in the axle housing.