I am changing the rear wheel bearings on my 1992 f150. I have already pulled the axles from the differential.

I am a little confused and maybe you guys can help me.

I read somewhere here where the bearings and races have to be machine pressed on the axle. I am going to rent a slide hammer to pull the old bearings and seals out.

My questions is as follows: Do you machine press the new bearings and races onto the axle itself and reinstall it or do you remove the bearing and race housing located behind the dust shield (I think by removing 4 bolts) and press the bearings and races into it.

I am not a mechanic but I know with a little coaching I can do this repair myself.

Also, do you use regular bearing grease and pack the bearings or do you let the 80w-90 gear oil flow from the differential to the wheels lubricate them.

 

After you pull the cover off, all you need is a slide hammer and an axle bearing puller to fit your axle. after the bearings are out, make sure the axle housing isn't damaged, then rent a seal/bearing installer, or use a big socket (same diameter as the outer race of the bearing but a tiny bit smaller ) and tap it in with a hammer. Make sure you install new seals.
you can use a little bit of bearing grease, but for the most part, the gear lube does the job.

 

Just like Mr. Finch said. You may want to put the wheel bearings in the freezer before you pound them back in. I don't do it myself bit some say it works well. I would recommend getting the seal/bearing/race installation tool. It us much better than reefing on it with a socket or a 2x4. Make sure you get the bearing started straight.

 

That is for the FORD 9” rear end, you should have the 8.8” and the bearings are drove into the axle housing on yours and not onto the axle.
You do not have to remove the backing plate with the four bolts.


But if the axle is worn you will need to buy a repair bearing seal combination kit instead of the bearing and seal.


You can knock the bearings and seals out with a pipe and a hammer from the other side but some will have to hold the end of the pipe down or up with a screw driver while you hit the pipe.


Check how far the bearing are in before you knock them out so if you use something other than the Ford tool to drive the news ones back in you do not drive them too far in.
You may find that the bearings are sealed and you can not grease them anyway but if you can a little grease will help.