84B23F
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2008
- Location
- Kansas, USA
With new rear-axle wheel bearing, there is about zero vertical play when axle's studded-end is moved vertically (upwards), as in hard to detect.
As more bearing free-play exists with higher road miles, this slowly destroys inner seal, which allows hypoid gear oil to slowly enter into bearing's cavity.
I suspect a person could drive around for a long period of time, locally, if rear-end is filled up, and if axle-bearing is periodically lubricated with enough hypoid oil.
On mine when R&Ring, there was still grease on bearing, but grease was oil soaked.
Axle bearings need a lubricant...some rear-ends use grease, and others hypoid oil.
If replacing inner brake shoes (E brake), it might be a good time to renew axle bearings and seals. I found one E brake with its lining fractured and not bonded to shoe.
Getting the rotor off can be a pill...I had to use heat.
As more bearing free-play exists with higher road miles, this slowly destroys inner seal, which allows hypoid gear oil to slowly enter into bearing's cavity.
I suspect a person could drive around for a long period of time, locally, if rear-end is filled up, and if axle-bearing is periodically lubricated with enough hypoid oil.
On mine when R&Ring, there was still grease on bearing, but grease was oil soaked.
Axle bearings need a lubricant...some rear-ends use grease, and others hypoid oil.
If replacing inner brake shoes (E brake), it might be a good time to renew axle bearings and seals. I found one E brake with its lining fractured and not bonded to shoe.
Getting the rotor off can be a pill...I had to use heat.