Rear axle bearings need advise

[72c20customcamper]

I took out the axle bearings on the 68 not liking what I’m seeing . This is a little concerning looks as if the bearing was turning in the housing . Not sure if throwing new bearings in will work .

[67C10Step]

Ooofta! What did the axle look like where the bearing rides? Although, am I seeing the same ridges where the seal sets in the axle? If so, I'd say they both weren't turning and may not be an issue.

Maybe someone else will chime in that has seen those same ridges before.

[72c20customcamper]

Axles look great no scoring . I just noticed the lines are where the seals go too . Maybe it’s just the way they are ?

[special-K]

The bearing moves freely in the race? I guess you could mic the housing and compare to the other side. It does look exactly like the race has been moving. What would it take to put it back together to make observations now that you've seen this? Unless someone comes along and puts their finger right on the problem. All I can imagine is the bearing not spinning freely, but I'd expect something visual on them if the bearing shows what it is.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by special-K

The bearing moves freely in the race? I guess you could mic the housing and compare to the other side. It does look exactly like the race has been moving. What would it take to put it back together to make observations now that you've seen this? Unless someone comes along and puts their finger right on the problem. All I can imagine is the bearing not spinning freely, but I'd expect something visual on them if the bearing shows what it is.

I needed to use a slide hammer to get the bearings out of the housing so didn’t seem loos. The needle bearings look good no pitting or scoring move freely . Figured I was in there looking for a noise (sounded like a bad bearing) that I’d just replace them regardless of how they looked . No blueing on the bearing or the housing

[400/400]

Is there scoring on the outside of the bearing you removed, or is it just discoloration?

Since you said they were tight in the bore, they may not have been spinning. It’s hard to tell by the pic, but usually a spun bearing shows heat marks (blueish discoloration) vs just scoring.

It may just be how the axle tube was machined.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by 400/400

Is there scoring on the outside of the bearing you removed, or is it just discoloration?

Since you said they were tight in the bore, they may not have been spinning. It’s hard to tell by the pic, but usually a spun bearing shows heat marks (blueish discoloration) vs just scoring.

It may just be how the axle tube was machined.

No blueing on the bearing or the housing and the marks are mostly on the top of the bearing so it just might be imprinted from weight . I’m leaning towards this is the way it was machined . Specially since the seal housing is the same . Think I’ll get some new bearings and put some sleeve retaining compound on it and call it a day

[72c20customcamper]

Found the rear end noise . Left carrier bearing is toast .

[special-K]

That's the pits

[HO455]

If it was mine I would do some measuring of the bearing seats in the axle and if they are not oversized and not egg shaped for piece of mind I would install the new bearings with some liquid bearing retainer. Similar to LocTite.

[Jrainman]

Originally Posted by HO455

If it was mine I would do some measuring of the bearing seats in the axle and if they are not oversized and not egg shaped for piece of mind I would install the new bearings with some liquid bearing retainer. Similar to LocTite.

Agree , well said .

[72c20customcamper]

The axles checked out as did the housing . I even went so far as to dig out the 12 bolt from my chevelle and the housing looks the same. Guess they didnt finish machine them from the factory. I will use loctite high strength 640 sleeve retainer when I install them . Waiting on one carrier bearing to put it back together have everything else .

[TALLone71]

I have seen axle housings machined like this over the years in the shop where I work, the race was tight and required the normal force to remove it, and when I drove the new race in everything felt right, and never had an issue with installation. glad you found your noise, that carrier bearing is definitely done

[Just call me Sean]

I'm working on the rear of my S10, but I haven't pulled what's left of the bearing yet to see if it looks like that. I was considering using a repair bearing, but I've had one come out before on something else. Maybe I'll try one again with that bearing retainer stuff. Never heard of it before.

[special-K]

I never heard of the bearing retainer stuff either. I imagine it makes for a very difficult race to remove on down the road. I think if your measurements all check out I'd just go back together with it dry.

[72c20customcamper]

I've used it before on press in fitting for hydrolic hoses . There are several strengths like the thread locker

https://youtu.be/riTo3zwyIaU

[HO455]

Originally Posted by special-K

I never heard of the bearing retainer stuff either. I imagine it makes for a very difficult race to remove on down the road. I think if your measurements all check out I'd just go back together with it dry.

The bearing retainer products I have used have a 200 to 300 degree maximum temperature which allows you to use soft heat (Like a propane torch) to break down the retainer material when it comes time to remove the bearing.