Wheel bearings. Tapered or Green Style for road racing

[miller]

Forgive the possibly stupid basic question, but I always thought that the rear bearings where lubed by rear end lube running through the axle housing to the bearing. I have never packed a rear bearing.

I too have never packed the rear axle bearings. Not going to say it doesn't hurt, but if you look in the service book...
Even rebuilding the rear axle, or just replacing the bearings, all it tells you is to put on a light coat of grease. Simply to keep the bearing from corroding.
If they did need to be packed, just like the front bearings, it would have to be re-done every once in a while!
About 1 1/2 cents worth.

 

[Ranger16]

Right you are Miller. The service manual has specific recommendations for repacking the front bearings, but no mention at all on the rears. Guess I'm safe. Wonder why the difference?

 

[Daves69]

Right you are Miller. The service manual has specific recommendations for repacking the front bearings, but no mention at all on the rears. Guess I'm safe. Wonder why the difference?

FYI, Just though I'd chime in here.
A reading from the 1969 Plymouth Service bible.............
Page 3-15 .......Rear Axle ... Assembly.....(step 2) "Lubricate wheel bearings with Multi-Purpose Grease, NLGI grade 2 E.P."

 

[Ron H]

if anyone has an axle adjuster plate for sale please lemme know...

 

[moparmarks]

Our Mopar car rear ends have non-floating axles. The bearing must be greased. There is an axle seal between the bearing and the diff so diff lube will not reach the bearing.
Semi floating axles have one wheel bearing that is lubed with the diff lube.
Full floating axles have 2 bearings that are lubed with diff lube such as 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.

 

[miller]

Page 3-15 .......Rear Axle ... Assembly.....(step 2) "Lubricate wheel bearings with Multi-Purpose Grease, NLGI grade 2 E.P."

Daves69 is absolutely correct. Just the one time, when installing them.

I don't want to steer anyone wrong. Pretty certain mine are greased, just out of habit, since I never put things together dry.

 

[Ranger16]

Can't help but wonder why the fronts need regular servicing, but the rears don't.

 

[Daves69]

Can't help but wonder why the fronts need regular servicing, but the rears don't

Lol, probably the "if it don't need it, don't do it" rule.
Seems the only time they have to come apart is when there is a problem and the axle needs to be removed.
I suspect anytime a differential component is serviced, as in this example for the R&P, the text refers you to the appropriate assembly section (step 2).

 

[Ranger16]

Lol, probably the "if it don't need it, don't do it" rule.

I like that way of thinking.

 

[miller]

Gotta agree, Ranger16. Guess an old dog can be taught new tricks...like me!
Guess that's what I get for thinkin'.