Axle bearings

[PaulS]

If you were opening up your axles to replace the seals--both outer seals and the pinion seal--would you replace bearings while you were in there?

It seems that replacing bearings is not a trivial task, and it has to be done just right, so I can't help but wonder if it's something I can avoid for now. 

This is on the assumption that there is nothing visibly wrong with any of the bearings.  If there's a problem, they get replaced, of course.

Thanks,

-Paul

[1955CJ-5]

I recently had the rear axles out, and though I thought the bearings felt OK before dis-assembly, when I got it apart, I saw that they needed to be replaced. I tried everything to get the old bearings off. Hammer, torch, hot water, more hammering...I finally took the axles and new bearings to a machinist and he pressed the old off, and pressed the new on. I will never again try to remove those bearings without a proper press. Other than that, it is a simple and one of those "as long as you have it apart" things that you should do.

The pinion bearings are a whole different story and I replaced the seal but left the bearings alone...

[Rus Curtis]

Paul,
From my perspective, my answer is - if necessary.  An inspection of the bearings is the only way to know.  A thorough cleaning is the only way to inspect them properly.  If the bearings aren't damaged, then repacking and reinstalling is perfectly fine.  Not following a good lube regimen can shorten a bearing's life.

I also try to avoid struggling with things that can get damaged so I don't mind a visit to a machine shop to have a trained expert do the job - saves me time, frustration and extra money from damaging something else.

[PaulS]

Thanks Rus.  That matches what I was thinking.  I will thoroughly clean them, and look carefully for any damage before making a final decision.

And it looks like the consensus is to let a machine shop do the actual replacing!  Do I buy the bearings from someone like Walcks first, or let the machine shop source them?

-Paul

[1955CJ-5]

I managed to damage my finger while trying to remove my bearings...steel you can replace..the finger is back to normal but it sure hurt for an unreasonably long while....

[Rus Curtis]

I've buggered my fingers too many times!  I do try to learn each time...


Paul, you may be able to source them locally.  Once you remove them, you can read the number and ask around.  From that you can compare the prices on ordering or purchasing locally. 

[Carls_jeep]

Paul, there are two seals on the rear axle. one inside the bearing housing and one on the outside of the bearing housing. If you don't replace the inner seal the rear axle oil can leak into the axle bearing and maybe leak onto the brake shoes if the outer seal does not seal good.