bad rear whl bearing info needed

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Aug 12, 2008 | 11:02 PM

X36

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bad rear whl bearing info needed

Hi all went for the state safety inspection/discovere R/R wheel bearing is real bad.Tire moves all around when off the ground.My question is that the openng for the bearing is now warped.Does this mean I'm going to need a new axle housing or do they make something like the bearing buddy that folks use on trailers Thanks

Aug 13, 2008 | 01:21 PM

NWBronco

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From: Olympia USA

YOu did not mention the axle type. 8.8" or 9"? The 8.8" is c-clipped in the diff. The 9" has a lock collar behind the wheel bearing. Have you disassmebled it all and looked it all over? If the axle tube is shot, you'll need need to eith replace the tube or the entire axle housing. And...if you have the bug...

then now is a good time to look for a full floater, like a Dana 60 or a 14 bolt.

Bob

Aug 13, 2008 | 01:59 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

If the end of the axle tube is warped you need a new housing, no way around that. F-150 and Bronco axles will interchange, so get either one from a junkyard. Inspect it first so you don't get a worn out axle. Also make sure your gear ratio matches the old one, you don't want to run two different ratios.

And unless you need the strength or like carrying two spare tires around, it's kind of dumb to upgrade to an 8-lug axle.

Aug 13, 2008 | 02:22 PM

NWBronco

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It's not that hard to replace the axle tube itself. He can shop around for a replacement axle. complete. The 8.8" will flop around a bit if it's a limited slip and worn completely out. There will be signs of the bearing failure though, like gear oil leaving at a rapid rate. Hence, my comment about tearing it down and looking at it real good.

Bearing repair kits are available. And I'm okay being considered 'dumb'. Heheh, believe me, you are not the first, and you won't be the last.

Bob

Aug 13, 2008 | 02:47 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

Maybe I should have phrased that (a lot) better.

I didn't mean to say that you were dumb. I'm sorry if you interpreted it that way. What I should have said was, "it might or might be practical to upgrade to an 8 lug axle in this guy's case".

Replacing the tube might not be that hard, but I think you need to pretty much gut the axle and remove it from the truck, right? At that point, just get another axle. Maybe now would be a good time for some upgrades.

Aug 13, 2008 | 02:52 PM

NWBronco

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From: Olympia USA

It's all good. I've swapped tubes with the axle still in the rig. It's a pain though, and easier to drop the axle and place it on a stand and do the work standing upright.