Re: IML: rear end questions 1969

["Frederick Joslin" <fljoslin@xxxxxxxx>]

It seems that the reason I am replacing my bearings is that some BOZO before me did the last rear end job without installing the end play adjuster locking clip!

 

Another post asked where to get Timkin bearings. I got mine from Brown Bearing in Spokane. Note this is not an Automotive shop, but sells primairly to other machine shops, heavy equipment and industry etc. They did however have a catalog which listed the bearings and seals for my 69 LeBaron. The answer seems to be to go to a bearing specialty shop. Since I paid just a little more for the made in USA bearings vs. the Japanese, I would not say the place was not expensive.      

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert M. Soule III"
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: rear end questions 1969
Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:35:46 -0400

Indeed the instructions in the factory service manual about how to remove the old bearings are ridiculous.  I always just take mine to a local machine shop and they simply press the old bearing and retainer off the axle and press the new bearing and retainer on.  Additionally, I would recommend using good quality bearings.  The cheap bearings made in China will not last long.

 

I would strongly recommend replacing both the inner and outer seals anytime you have to replace an axle bearing.  The number one reason that these bearings go bad in the first place is that the inner seal fails which allows the differential lubrication to contaminate the axle bearing or bearings.  Unlike GM cars, you don't ever want the differential lubrication to come into contact with the rear axle bearings.  The inner seal might look just fine but if any differential lubrication has gotten to the bearing then it is bad.  I would never do this job without replacing the inner seals!

 

Strangely enough, I am doing this very job today on a 1966 Chrysler 300 today!

 

Robert M. Soule, III

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----- Original Message -----

From: Elijah Scott

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:52 PM

Subject: Re: IML: rear end questions 1969

Frederick Joslin <fljoslin@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

I am working on the rear end of my 69 LeBaron. Do the collars which hold on the outer axle bearing come with replacement bearing or do you purchase them separately and from where? Or if I take the axles to a machine shop can they press off the bearing and collars to allow the collars to be reused? Is this a good idea? The manual says to cut off the collars and bearing races which is fine, but then I have no collars.

Don't waste your time with the instructions from the manual for the rear axle bearings.  Just pull the axles and take them to the machine shop, along with the new bearings and outer seals.  The machine shop will press off the old ones and press on the new ones.  The machine shop I use in Chattanooga, TN, charges $25 per axle for this job, and it's well worth it.

The outer seals are sold separately from the bearings.  I think the last set I bought came from Advance or AutoZone.  The seals are very inexpensive (i.e. don't try to reuse them).

You could probably get away without replacing the inner seals, but they're pretty easy to replace -- so since you've got the axles out anyway, why not?  :o)

Does anyone know where to get the adjuster hold down clip for the rear axle bearing end play adjuster.

You will DEFINITELY want to find the clip, or else you'll be doing this whole job again soon.  I got one off of a parts car, but it may be possible to find it new.

For an example of one of my own adventures in axle bearings, check out http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Axle/BearingFailure/

Good luck!

Elijah


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