rear axle bearings

[mini73]

I got to change one side because its bad and started to smell it and was smoking some when I got home. I already have that axle out. I am wondering if I should go ahead and take the other axle out on the other side and change that bearing too even though it is fine and not leaking. If not mistaking the bearings come 2 to a pack. Or should I just change the one and keep the other in the toolbox for when the other side goes out? Any suggestions?

 

[bronconut73]

Both Bro.
New seals too unless you got set-20's in which case the seal is an o-ring on the bearing.

 

[BIGED]

I would do both just did mine one was bad the other was ok but if your in there peace of mind knowing they both are good

 

[bax]

You can buy them separately. I would take a look at the other side. Having an extra one is fine. Not having a press with you??? makes a roadside repair on an axle bearing a real adventure. I would do them both.

 

[mini73]

Think I will do both now. Was trying to get the other axle out and it is being stubborn. got the 4 nuts off and using a pry bar but still will not come out. Pretty sure the outside of the being is done now.

 

[broncodriver99]

Can you borrow a slide hammer? Most auto parts stores have one for loan. It will make quick work of a stuck axle.

 

[bax]

Slide hammer is your friend. I have made a big heavy slide hammer that I use for the stuck axle bearings in the housing. The last one I did took a solid hour to get out.Thats a lot of slide hammering. Good luck. There are times when a pry bar just is not the tool of choice.

 

[garberz]

You can use the brake drum over the studs as a slide hammer, just flip it over first.

 

[mini73]

Too late! Finally got it. Just had to tap it with a hammer. Now I got to find out what size bearing I need to get. Going to take the axles to work tomorrow and have on of the mechanics help me get the bearings off and then put on. Going to stop by auto zone and pick up the bearings on the way to work

 

[mini73]

You can use the brake drum over the studs as a slide hammer, just flip it over first.

Good idea! I did try mounting the rim and tire back on and wiggle it to try and loosen it up. Wish I would of thought it the brake drum first! I hate wrestling with my tire on and off. Good thing I only have 17's with 255/75 R17's! I can just imagine its harder wrestling with bigger tires!

 

[mini73]

Im glad I keep my boxes for the replacement parts that I buy. Could not figure out which size bering I needed but I found the box for one of the first things that I replaced on the broncos. It was one of the rear wheel seals. I got the 3300 LB axle. That makes it easier for me to buy now. Going t replace the seal on the other side too just to be on the safe side.

 

[Apogee]

Assuming stock shafts, you really only have two bearing options, the 72mm "small" bearing (RW207CCRA) and the 80mm "big" bearing (Timken/National #514003 or SKF #88128RB). The 3300# will be the big-bearing option.

 

[Action]

My slide hammer

Here is my slide hammer.....The drum did not work for me.

 

[mini73]

Assuming stock shafts, you really only have two bearing options, the 72mm "small" bearing (RW207CCRA) and the 80mm "big" bearing (Timken/National #514003 or SKF #88128RB). The 3300# will be the big-bearing option.

That is the same number I have written down to get tomorrow on the way to work. It is the big bearing

 

[mini73]

Here is my slide hammer.....The drum did not work for me.

View attachment 372446

LOL. I got one of those at work that I use all the time. I just need to get home just one day and could do all the stuff in the backyard that the wife wants done! lol I think they would see me leave the gate with it though!

 

[DirtDonk]

As you heard from the others, you do not wait for rear wheel bearings to fail. This is not a casual failure sometimes. You were just lucky that all you saw was smoke. If you'd been driving down the highway and one axle decided to part ways with your Bronco, you'd have been saying to yourself, "now why didn't I just replace that bearing when I had the chanc?" or something of that nature. Maybe less politely to yourself?

These are sealed bearings and only live a set amount of time. They obviously last a LONG time, so mileage-wise, you get from 90k to 140k of life. But time-wise? Who knows. We're all lucky if we're driving on the originals 40 to 50 years after they were installed.

Consider the new ones cheap insurance.

Paul

 

[mini73]

Thanks for the reply paul. I got only one bearing this morning because the auto zone only had one and I had to get to work. I got the old bearings off and also went ahead and put the bearing that I had gotten on the axle. Got home to put it in and almost forgot which side I had taken it out of. Anyways, I am going to get the other bearing tomorrow hopefully. One question though. I have the bronco completely on jack stands with only one axle bolted back in and the other is still out. When I try to turn the hub it spins even though it is in park and the driveshaft is not turning. Is this correct? Or do I need to have both axles bolted in to have the driveshafts turn when I turn the hubs? Sorry for the dumb questions but I am a newbie when it comes to transmissions and axles!

 

[bax]

Open carrier, non posi. normal.