9 inch axle bearing (and seal) replacement

[parsonsj]

Hey guys,

My driver's side axle has always seeped some fluid past the axle seal. Just enough to annoy me. So I yanked the axle out this morning, and confirmed what I thought: replacing the seal means R&R of the axle bearing.

Anybody replaced a nine inch axle bearing at home? I don't have a press... is it even possible? Or should I head out to the local differential place in the morning?

jp

[big gear head]

You must have the tapered roller bearings. You need a press. Don't let anyone cut it off with a torch. I've seen this done many times and it always damages the axle.

[parsonsj]

You need a press. Don't let anyone cut it off with a torch. I've seen this done many times and it always damages the axle.Thanks gear head. I'm going to take it to Advance Driveline here in Orlando. They did a nice job narrowing my housing a couple of years ago, so I think they will know what they are doing, but I'll ask them if they use a press.

ps. These are Moser 35 spline axles... will they need to source the bearing/seal from Moser? Or is Timken pn U365L something that can be found anywhere?

jp

[CarlC]

Put down the blue wrench John!

BGH is right on all counts. A press is the only good way to get them off. If memory serves, there is also a shrink-fit retaining ring as well. The seal should be a standard part.

[parsonsj]

No worries. :) The axle is in the back of my truck. I'll be at Advance by 9:30 tomorrow for them to replace the whole setup (Timken Set 20... which includes the bearing and inner and outer seals).

I'll post back with how I make out. Thanks for all the help guys.

jp

[Bow Tie 67]

Put down the blue wrench John!

BGH is right on all counts. A press is the only good way to get them off. If memory serves, there is also a shrink-fit retaining ring as well. The seal should be a standard part.

I have a press and did my set 20 bearings at home. The retainer ring needs to be drilled then struck with a chisel to crack and remove it. Then you press off the bearing.

The first time I removed an axle bearing was on my strange axle. I was not aware of the procedure to remove the retainer ring. When the retainer finally let lose it sounded like a bomb going off.

[chicane67]

I have torched thousands of them off... but I definately wouldnt recommend for too many people. You really have t oknow what you are doing with a torch... not to mention that even the slighest temperature nick means replacing the axle.

The drill and single chisel hit to the retainer... and then pressing off the bearing assembly is the safest way to do it. Sometimes cutting the roller cage and pre-heating the inner race will make it even eaiser.

[parsonsj]

I got it back from Advance Driveline yesterday. New seal, bearing, and retainer. Total cost was $76.

Not that bad, I don't think.

jp

[jknight16]

That's not bad at all, I got totally ripped off (I found out later) by a local automotive machine shop that charged me more than $200 for two new bearings and the labor to press them on/off. Seals not included...

[Bow Tie 67]

John ,

I'm curious if you checked end-play after installation? This was something I was concerned with, I measured both sides and came up with .012 play. I even put one axle back into the press to make sure it was completely seated. Yes I can get a-n-a-l, but was curious if the play New is less or the same than what I have come up with after a season of racing / driving.

Matt

[parsonsj]

I'm curious if you checked end-play after installation?No... because I haven't reinstalled them yet. I'm on my way out of town this afternoon, so I won't get to it until next week. I'll take some measurements and let you know what I find.

jp

[stealth71]

They are rebuilding my 12-bolt right now. Hope it comes out good. They have built a couple driveshafts and done some other work for me. George seems like a nice guy and knows his stuff.