Rear wheel bearings

[stockman1]

I am looking for pictures and instructions to R&R rear bearings on my 86. Can you point me in that direction?

[MikeFleming]

Factory service manual is best description. But, of course, you don't have one.

It's relatively easy, but is a lot of work.

First off get off the wheel/tyre/caliper/rotor to expose the end of the axle and housing.

Next drain all the gear oil in the rear difff - there is no drain plug, take off the rear cover to do this.

NOw take out the small retaining bolt thta holds the center diff pin in place & remove the center pin (about 1" round x ~4 " long, chromed steel).

Once that's out, you push IN about 1" on each axle, one at a time, and remvoe hte C-Clipo inside the rear diff where that chrome pin used to be. Repeat on other side.

Now you nca pull out each axle form the housing - it just pulls straight out.

Big screwdriver levers out hte seal, then a slide hammer to pull the bearing outer race from the housing. The cage and rollers are the replaceable bearing part & seal in the housing.

The axle itseld is the inner race. So inspect/replce a needed. Iirc you can get sleeves that wil push over the axle to cover dmaged/pitted races - might need a larger bearing though.

Put it all back together, re-install C-clips, push axle out, repeat other side, re-install pin and lock bolt, refit rear diff cover, brakes, wheels, etc.

Fill housing with fresh 75/90 [synthetic] gear oil, then add one bottle of the stinky stuff.

[JTurbo]

With pictures: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr9JXP6w1ko

This is an 8.8 with drum brakes, but the basics are the same. GL, I just did rear axle seals in my 86 GT and the seals were a biotch to get out of the housing....

[MikeFleming]

If you're not concerned about re-using the seals, run a sheet-metal screw into each side of the seal's metal housing then grab the screw(s) with vice grips and lever the screw/seal out of the housing. Once it starts to move, it will almost fall out.

Save the screws for use again on another seal.

[stockman1]

Factory service manual is best description. But, of course, you don't have one.

It's relatively easy, but is a lot of work.

First off get off the wheel/tyre/caliper/rotor to expose the end of the axle and housing.

Next drain all the gear oil in the rear difff - there is no drain plug, take off the rear cover to do this.

NOw take out the small retaining bolt thta holds the center diff pin in place & remove the center pin (about 1" round x ~4 " long, chromed steel).

Once that's out, you push IN about 1" on each axle, one at a time, and remvoe hte C-Clipo inside the rear diff where that chrome pin used to be. Repeat on other side.

Now you nca pull out each axle form the housing - it just pulls straight out.

Big screwdriver levers out hte seal, then a slide hammer to pull the bearing outer race from the housing. The cage and rollers are the replaceable bearing part & seal in the housing.

The axle itseld is the inner race. So inspect/replce a needed. Iirc you can get sleeves that wil push over the axle to cover dmaged/pitted races - might need a larger bearing though.

Put it all back together, re-install C-clips, push axle out, repeat other side, re-install pin and lock bolt, refit rear diff cover, brakes, wheels, etc.

Fill housing with fresh 75/90 [synthetic] gear oil, then add one bottle of the stinky stuff.thanks again!

[MikeFleming]

BTW - the SM indicates to flll the housing with gear oil through the pipe plug hole at the front of the housing until it won't take any more - flows out. Then install the plug.

Now unscrew the vent thingie on the right upper tube (usually mounts the center brake line bock) and add the friction modifier through that vent hole.