OK - after getting the axles and seals removed (previous thread) I am wondering if I should go ahead and replace the axle bearings.

For kicks, I slid the axles back in and checked the play and BOTH sides have a slight amount of play in the axle. Normally I would think this would indicate new bearing time but I am not familiar with this type of bearing.

What do you all think - at 165k miles should I go ahead and replace the rear axle bearing while I have it apart or is this slight play normal and these bearings last forever?

Rob

 

As long as you are in there I would replace the bearings. They do not last forever.

 

^^ yup. Easier to take everything apart once, rather than twice.

You are checking for play with the axle inserted all the way into the carrier though, right?

 

Yes - I pushed the axles all the way back in and there is a slight play in them.

Given the pain in the tail I've alread experienced, combined with the gear oil mess, I am going to go ahead and replace them. I HATE to do half the job now and the other half (plus the first half again) in a month.

Thanks for the confimration.

 

With a 165,000 I think you would be making a good decision replacing the bearings while you have it a part.