8 3/4 Rear End Bearing Retainer Dented

[digi_d]

I've been prep'ing the Bee for new drum setups on all 4 corners and noticed a potential axle issue on the rear driver's side. The drum had (it's been cleaned) a lot (like a lot lot) of grease in it and I've removed the half-shaft to clean and inspect. In transparency, my rear end & axle knowledge isn't as solid as other areas so I'm looking for some input and advice on what I'm seeing:

Image:
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My gut says these dents should be a concern but want to validate. Additionally, other than visually inspecting and feeling for damage on the shaft and inside of the housing, are there other items I should keep an eye out for? Am also planning to clean out the vent.

 

[ckessel]

Looks like you could hit it with a file and call it a day.

 

[1967coronet]

If your going to replace the bearings the new kit will come with new retainers.
Or like ckessel posted just file that dent.
Make sure to keep the fillings out of the bearing.
Plus remember to pack that bearing with grease if your useing it.
Look it over close for signs of galling , flaking ect.

 

[dadsbee]

Looks like you could hit it with a file and call it a day.

Agreed and in the grand scheme of things who really cares provided the bearing is fully seated. That collar interfers and rides on zero seals.

 

[R/T Boy 67]

If your drum was full of grease then your outer seal is toast.

 

[dadsbee]

If your drum was full of grease then your outer seal is toast.

Ya I missed the "grease" thing. The inner seal keeps the oil in... outer keeps the bearing grease where it belongs. That smack on the collar has zero to do with either.

 

[Demonic]

I wouldn't worry about the dent, as others have said, but the grease on the drum is concerning. The outer seal, which is hard to see assembled, just behind the retainer, is a concern. Now, having said that. If the extra grease on the drum was caused by over-packing the bearing or a clogged axle vent; you might be able to just clean, file the dent on the retainer collar, and reassemble.

 

[digi_d]

Thanks for the input y'all, much appreciated! Definitely planning to replace the inner seal - can't say for sure if it was was grease, oil, or a combination of the two. It was unholy mess mixed with brake shoe dust and packed firmly on everything inside the drum. Required a gasket scraper to remove! The bearing was covering in oil and not grease so I'm fairly confident in assuming the inner seal of donezo.

Last question - on the half shaft, behind the retainer where the inner seal would sit, I can feel a distinct ring with my finger all the way around the shaft. Is that expected?

 

[Cranky]

Thanks for the input y'all, much appreciated! Definitely planning to replace the inner seal - can't say for sure if it was was grease, oil, or a combination of the two. It was unholy mess mixed with brake shoe dust and packed firmly on everything inside the drum. Required a gasket scraper to remove! The bearing was covering in oil and not grease so I'm fairly confident in assuming the inner seal of donezo.

Last question - on the half shaft, behind the retainer where the inner seal would sit, I can feel a distinct ring with my finger all the way around the shaft. Is that expected?

All seals will eventually wear a 'ring' around any shaft that it rides on.....just how much of a ring it has is the key. Is it just shiny with a very small dip or is it deep? Also, no 'half' shafts on these cars. It's either a left or right rear end axle shaft.

 

[ckessel]

If you end up diving further into the project, replacing both seals/bearings/retainers, your homies at Yukon Gear/Randy's Ring and Pinion have the Timken bearings. If you're not familiar with doing that job and the adjustment procedure, read up on it.

Chrysler 8 3/4 Axle bearing and Seal R&R...A How To

 

[khryslerkid]

Also pull the rubber back on your wheel cylinder and check for fluid.

 

[RemCharger]

Also pull the rubber back on your wheel cylinder and check for fluid.

yup it's always six of one, half a dozen of the other

 

[digi_d]

Thanks again all!

All seals will eventually wear a 'ring' around any shaft that it rides on.....just how much of a ring it has is the key. Is it just shiny with a very small dip or is it deep? Also, no 'half' shafts on these cars. It's either a left or right rear end axle shaft.

Enough for my finger to notice but I wouldn't call it deep or worn in. Thanks for the terminology cross check!

If you end up diving further into the project, replacing both seals/bearings/retainers, your homies at Yukon Gear/Randy's Ring and Pinion have the Timken bearings. If you're not familiar with doing that job and the adjustment procedure, read up on it.

Chrysler 8 3/4 Axle bearing and Seal R&R...A How To

Much appreciated! They seem like pretty happy campers, which makes sense given how much oil they were covered in haha. No grease to be seen in them though - will definitely repack them. Looks like there's also a ~$200 tool that can do it without needing to cut? I'm a sucker for a single purpose gadget...looking at you ice cream maker

Also pull the rubber back on your wheel cylinder and check for fluid.

I ended up ordering the stage 3 kit from Muscle Car Brakes which has new wheel cylinders all the way around - all 4 had some level of leak. Master cylinder is gone as well so I'm excited to get all that new hardware in!

Checked the vent bolt today and it is completely clear so all set there. This should be my last couple questions here after pulling the seal out today:
1) If the outer seal needs replacement, the retainer and bearing need to come off - correct?
2) The area around the seal stop looks rough. My understanding is the seal doesn't necessarily push against this but not fully confident if it's an issue or not:

Ordered r this kit from Dr. Diff a couple days ago - if I don't need all the parts now, they'll come in handy eventually
Mopar Housing Gasket+Seal Kit for 8 3/4" (8.75) or Dana 60

Barring any cat-***-trophys this should all be back together next week and then I'll just be waiting on John for the brakes. Woo!

 

[Demonic]

1) If the outer seal needs replacement, the retainer and bearing need to come off - correct?
2) The area around the seal stop looks rough. My understanding is the seal doesn't necessarily push against this but not fully confident if it's an issue or not:

1 Yes, and replaced as well usually. I remove the retaining collar with a big chisel, big hammer and my big arm. Strike hard every 90* and the collar will expand and can slide off. Side cutters for the bearing cage and the rollers and cage are out. File a pair of grooves in the inner race and whack with the chisel again, it should split. Use care not to nick the axle.

2. Use a little sealer around the inner seal when driving it in if the bore is scarred.