i just replaced the front bearings on my bronco(96,351W,E40D,8.8 rear i beleive..) now i can feel a grinding comming from the rear end. i checked for play in the rear and it has about the same as what the front end had before i replaced them.

My question is that while im at the rear bearings should i replace anything else, being 160K miles. should i do a rebuild of the rear end or just swap one out? I pulled the front bearings off the manual hubs and it wasent that much of a ordeal to do it. how much work is involved in the rear bearing?

BTW: FTE is the best ford info site ive ever found thanks for the help guys!!!

 

Replacing the rear wheel beaings is not difficult, and it would probably be a good idea to open things up for an inspection at this time and mileage. You'll need to put the truck on jackstands under the rear axle, remove the rear wheels and brake drums - always block the front wheels to keep it from moving forward or back! Remove the diff cover, and be prepared to catch some nasty smelling gear oil. Put the truck in neutral - front wheels blocked, right?! and rotate the gearset until you see the an 8mm bolt head on the pass. side of the differential - this retains the cross shaft, and must be removed. Unscrew the retaining bolt and rotate the differential so that the silver cross shaft can slide free. It usually needs a little wiggling, but I've had them fly out and hit me in the head as well. Ahem. Now, with the cross shaft out, push the axles in toward the center of the axle housing - they will go in about 1/2 inch. Look at the middle of the diff' where the cross shaft was - you'll see the c-clips on the innermost ends of the axles. I use a pen magnet to get them out, as they like to play games with you. Now you can slide the axles free, exposing the axle bearings and seals for removal. I remove the seals with the trusty factory equipment tire iron (the hooked end) and prise them out against the edge of the axle tube. It will take a three hook puller attached to a slide hammer to remove the bearings - I rented one from Autozone. One of my bearings was a little worse for wear and disinegrated upon removead, spewing little rollers back into the axle housing. I used the trusty pen magnet (it extends like a car antenna) and picked them out (13 total) the new bearings can be driven in - I use an old bearing as a driver, thuough there are purpose built units for this. Repeat for the other side, install the new seals, and you're done. Be sure to inspect the axle bearing surfaces for damage. You can replace the axles, or use repair bearings that will ride in an undamged area. They are available at auto parts store.

 

hey great write-up on the rear bearings i will be sure to post my findings/mishaps when i complete me project thanks for your help