Rear axle bearing re-packing

[Sonny]

I bought a 8 3/4 rear and axles, history unknown. The bearings appear to be ok and I want to repack them and try them out before replacing. Should I:
1. Just repack as best I can from the top or
2. Spray the bearings with brake clean first to remove the old grease then pack?

 

[bm02tj]

If the grease is hard I would clean check then repack if grease is not hard push new grease through until shows on other side if smooth re use

 

[MW 413]

Just wash them out with brake clean or in a parts solvent tank and hand pack them like front wheel bearings. I also use a goose neck on a small hand grease gun full of wheel bearing grease to make sure you get a full load of grease between the rollers. Put some grease in the cavity of the axle housing and reinstall the axles.

 

[R413]

Clean them out first, solvent till clean, brake clean to remove residue. Fill between each roller in the cage. Push the race down and turn, grease will ooze out so wipe it on the outside and in the housing.

It has been 40 years plus so I do this to all my old mopars.

 

[Sonny]

Note the bearings are still on the axle. Was hoping not to remove them.

 

[Ranger16]

I always thought that the gear lube in the differential lubricates the rear bearings. I have packed front bearings, but never the rears. Have I been wrong all these years?

 

[mopar 3 B]

I always thought that the gear lube in the differential lubricates the rear bearings. I have packed front bearings, but never the rears. Have I been wrong all these years?

yes

 

[khryslerkid]

You can pack the bearing on the axle. Not as easy as if it was off but it can be done. Maybe get yourself a Marinade Injector and inject grease between each roller.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Grill...MIkqSRmLD_5gIVXINaBR07KgaEEAQYAiABEgKSO_D_BwE

 

[R413]

You don’t need to remove the bearings to clean and grease them.

8 3/4 rear bearings should not have gear oil on them, they are packed in grease.

Look at this picture, I know it’s a highly technical operation, it’s call a drain pan and a parts cleaning brush. Pour some solvent, scrub the parts. Roll the bearings, rinse with solvent, about 5 minutes on each one. Maybe new technology to some, but it’s just like washing dishes, have you ever done that?

They need to be CLEAN when you are done, no grease or grunge left in there. And fill te area where the pen is with grease, not above that, it will get grease there by greasing this inner area I’m pointing to.

 

[Suregrip391]

Get a needle adapter for your grease gun. Any auto parts store will have.

 

[MW 413]

Note the bearings are still on the axle. Was hoping not to remove them.

My reply was with the bearings still on the axles. NOT removed.

 

[493 Mike]

After a good solvent wash and drying I stand them on the workbench (studs down) and use my first two fingers, loaded with grease, and start pushing the grease thru the rollers until I can see it is full. That's it.
Mike

 

[miller]

In a nutshell, to 'remove' those bearings, you have to destroy them, cutting them off. Only time it needs to be done, is when you replace them.

Just like the guys are saying, wash 'em up, as they sit, completely, and re-pack with a good bearing grease.

 

[Daves69]

FWIW, After the cleaning and before re-packing, I lightly oil and try to "feel" how the bearing rolls.

 

[Kraig Jorgensen]

If the bearings are removed, you destroy the retaining ring. It is a tight press fit. Be very careful of the seal in the axle tube. It prevents contamination from hypoid gear lube. The 8.25 rear axle was a straight roller brg that was lubed by gearlube from the center section. The 8.75 had one of the best bearing set ups.

 

[threewood]

Needle attachment to the grease gun, as said above.

While it's out, could be a good idea to replace the inner seals. The outer seal requires bearing removal so don't pull it apart unless the bearings are shot.

 

[Sonny]

Needle attachment to the grease gun, as said above.

While it's out, could be a good idea to replace the inner seals. The outer seal requires bearing removal so don't pull it apart unless the bearings are shot.

Good tip. I already pulled them and have new ones on the way.

 

[69B7RR]

I recently repacked the wheel bearings during a refresh of my rear axle. If u get a needle greaser as recommended above, get one that “threads” on to the hose end of your grease gun. It will be easier to maintain pressure & squeeze out. I got the cheaper one with the “zerk” end attachment. It was a pita & mess. Needed a 3rd hand to keep it attached. Ended up using my fingers as mentioned above. Wish I’d of known about Kryslerkid’s recommendation before I did mine.......anyway just sayin....Jim

 

[Joe66satellite]

Hey guys I know this threads a little old but I've got a Dana 60 in my Chevy , relax I've got a Mopar too LOL, I'm hearing a little grinding when I'm rolling the car without the engine running just in neutral don't know if it's a locker or it's a axle bearing can I grease them with needle injector while they're still in the housing?

 

[mopar 3 B]

No