Proper way of replacing rear axle bearings

[Micke68]

I need some help. Can someone give me the proper procedures for removing the axle bearings from the axles and replacing them. It appears that they are just pressed onto the tapering of the axle, but I want to make sure that I remove them correctly as to not damage the axles.... Thanks

[IraceLegends77]

I used a pick to pull it out. It came out pretty easy but mine was leaking. I cleaned the axle tube really well and then used a rubber mallet that was just slightly smaller than the seal. I drove it in with one mallet on the other very slowly and made sure I stayed centered. It worked for me because it still is not leaking. Hope that helps.

Scott

[Micke68]

Thanks. However I am referring to changing the bearing that is on the axle itself. I was hoping to learn if there was a special trick or practice in removing and replacing those bearings.

[IraceLegends77]

Ohhhhh Sorry, I have never done those before. I break a axle before I need to replace them..........LOL

Scott

[VMS Motorsports]

Thats why I didnt reply...never had to do it, I usually hit a tractor tire on the infield or break a trailing arm bolt before I need to change bearings! 

[justfreaky]

You two do it the expensive way. LOL!
To the best of my knowlege ( if a welded axle shaft) you have to cut it, press off the bearing, and then re-weld it. Only way I have heard to do it.

Steve

[Micke68]

They certainly do have an expensive way of doing it! These are one piece axles, so I won't have to cut it.  I was hoping to learn the proper way to press them off of the axle, if there was a trick to doing it.

[justfreaky]

Take them to NAPA, your local machine shop, etc...
They will have a press with which to press them off and press the new ones on.
It doesn't cost very much.

Steve

[Micke68]

Thanks Steve!

[racerrad8]

You will need a hydraulic press, bearing splitter, a big Hammer and a large 3/4-1" chisel.

Place the axle bearing collar upon something solid; I use an anvil. Take the chisel and put it on the collar in line with the axle. Strike the chisel several times. This distorts the collar. You will need to have at least 1/32 of a mark left from the chisel in the collar.

From there you need install the bearing splitter and place the axle into the press. Start pressing the bearing which will in turn press the collar off as well.

To reinstall press the bearing on first and then the collar. Make sure you put the radius side of the collar away from the bearing as it is designed to not damage the seal during the installation of the axle into the housing.

If it were the old two piece welded axles, the same replacement process will work. I had to grind down a few of the spot/plug welds in the splice but the bearing will fit over it.


If you do not have any of the tools I mention above, then an automotive machine shop will be your best bet.

Randy - RPM

[VMS Motorsports]

Or hit a tire on the infield. Less labor intensive and pmaybe cheaper if you do it right!
 

[Micke68]

Thanks Randy! Since I don't have those tools it sounds like I would be better off taking it to a machine shop or NAPA and have them do it for me.

Mick

[jgrimracing]

The retaining collar on the bearings are prett heavy on the axles.  A local old timer showed me to grind on the collar reducing the thickness of it by a little more then half.  Then a shot or too with the chisle and the collar will free up and can be slid off.  We did a few without the grinding and a few with, both ways work.  The grinding took less time and also a lot less hammering on the axle.  I just did not like hammering so hard on the axle.  You will still need the press though, no way to get around that. 

[shark1441]

an easy way to put your bearing back on the axel
put the axel in a box full of ice and the bearing in a small oven just to warm it up
than quickly let slide the bearing on the shaft it should go by itself.

[justfreaky]

A press is so much easier. You can usually get your local parts store (if they have the equipment) or a local mechanic to do it very cheaply... or for a little free advertising.
 

Steve