Can you change rear axle bearings at home?
Whether you’ve got a Chevy/GM 10-bolt rear-end or a 12-bolt, changing the rear axle bearings is a relatively quick and easy repair to complete at home. Let’s see how. This is an old style GM axle bearing from National Bearings. Source | Advance Auto Parts This is a new-style axle bearing and seal assembly in one from Driveworks.
How do you replace a rear wheel axle?
The first step is to use the 20-ton shop press and Rear Wheel Axle Bearing Puller & Tone Ring Tool/Installer SST to remove the ABS tone ring and inner retainer from the axle. And to use the SST, I had to pound out one of the studs that holds the backing plate to the axle housing.
What do rear axle bearings and seals look like?
The seals should look identical unless they have been updated by the manufacturer. Once the surface has been cleaned, match the new seal to the old unit and apply sealer to the differential housing if needed. Most seals have a sealer allied to them as a thin coating, this seal uses an orange colored sealer.
How much does it cost to replace rear axle seal?
If this axle is worn you will see an obvious groove in this area. Do not reuse the axle at this point because the new seal and bearing will fail prematurely. These axles are available at the dealer for about $200.00 bucks. Now we are ready to remove the seal.
How do you remove axle bearings?
Removing the Axle Bearings Remove the trays and coverings that are in the way. Remove the tires. Remove the brake pads from the caliper, and then unbolt the caliper itself. Release the parking brake. Remove the disk rotor. Remove the axle bearings using the bearing replacement/removal tool.
How much does it cost to replace rear wheel bearings?
If the bearing is sealed, it can lead to more work such as replacing the hub as well; however, a permanently sealed bearing means they can last longer, oftentimes, as long as the car. For the parts alone, wheel bearings can cost anywhere from $20 to as much as $200.
How do you remove a wheel bearing?
Remove the wheel bearings from your car wheel. Place a ball of grease in the palm of one hand. You may want to wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. Push the bearing into the grease with your other hand. Push in the large end first so that the grease gets forced into the inner parts of the bearing.
How do you repair a wheel bearing?
Steps Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Use wheel chocks to secure wheels whose bearings you aren’t replacing. Loosen the lug nuts and lift the wheel using a jack. Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the wheel. Remove the brake caliper. Remove the dust cover, cotter pin , and castle nut. Remove the rotor. Unscrew the hub bolts and remove the old hub.
How do you remove rear axle from differential?
Using a small screwdriver or magnet work the metal “C” clip in a circular motion, This will enable you to remove the clip which will release the axle from the differential. This can take a little time so hang in there.
How are the axles secured to the differential?
The axles are secured inside the differential by a C-clip. Look inside the carrier in the opening left by the pin removed above at the axle ends and remove the clips. If a clip is missing, check the bottom of the differential housing. It probably fell out when you pushed the axles inward.