Rear Wheel Bearings...DIY Job?

ag90fox · 03-27-2008, 11:15 AM

Howdy, I've got a 1995 Chevy K1500 Z-71, 167K mi, and I've got the typical speed dependent roaring noise from the back wheels, so am going to replace the rear wheel bearings.

I'm confident about pulling the axles without a problem (and have the Haynes manual), but am thinking that I may not have the tools necessary to get the bearings off the axle (or new ones on). Is a press HIGHLY recommended, or can I do it with hand tools?

I realize I may have to buy a wrench to get the axle off the vehicle, but I'd like to save the $225 quoted for labor if possible.
Thanks for your advice/experience!

Joe
San Antonio TX

87c10slammer · 03-27-2008, 11:41 AM

they shouldnt be pressed in i have never ran into one that is.

03chevy · 03-27-2008, 01:34 PM

you can do it all with hand tools unless you just want to use air

Rick Hindmon · 03-27-2008, 02:50 PM

I just did a set on a 95 1500 Suburban with 115000 miles and the bearings are pressed into the axle housing, you will need a bearing puller and a seal and bearing installer to do the job.
You may want to check the differantial side bearings as well, after I did the axle bearings on this one it had a vibration above 63 mph and thats what we found, a buddy told me that GM had a lot of trouble with these (he works in product development at GM powertrain)

75K30 · 03-27-2008, 04:07 PM

Welcome to the site:

Rick Hindmon makes a very good point with regards to the differential carrier bearings. Axle bearings can, and will make noise, but we must remamber that the carrier also has bearings and they have made approx the same amount of rotations as the axle bearings have. If the axle bearings have met the end of thier life, then it is safe to assume that the bearings inside of the center section are just as likely to require replacement.
The other thing to consider is that the pinion bearings have over three times the rotational wear. Since the pinion turns at a greater rate than the differential, and over three times the amount of the axles, it may be safe to also assume that these may need some attention as well.

MORROWMUDDER · 03-27-2008, 07:43 PM

i just rebuilt a GM 10 bolt axle for my 96, put a locker in it with a open carrier and all new seals and bearings. did it all myself with hand tools really was'nt that hard if ya got a weekend to do it right. hardest thing was getting out the axle bearings that took some work with a slide hammer i borrowed from the part store. as for installing the bearings and seals a big open pipe and sockets worked fine for me. differential case bearing kit ran be about 75 bucks included the bearings and seals. however the axle bearings and seals were seperate. had about an another 60 bucks in those. if ya do go with the differential bearing kit and do it yourself would probably be a good idea to mark your pinion and ring gear to make sure they go back in the right alignment. this is kinda one of those projects were time is money if you do it right the first time and spend a few extra bucks it will save you alot of time and money in the end. have fun and good luck.

ag90fox · 03-31-2008, 05:23 AM

Just wanted to say THANKS for the insight into replacing my rear wheel bearings. The first time is always a bit shakey, but now having done it once, I could do it again in a heartbeat! The only nervous moment came when I shoved the first axle back into the differential & heard a clunk, which turned out to be one of those little gears that had fallen out of position. I freaked for a minute, but after a few, figured out how to reposition it so the retaining bar would slide back through the holes.

Autozone was awesome with their tool loan program. I "borrowed" the t-shaped bearing pullers & bearing driver set which also made things a bunch easier!

Thanks again!

87c10slammer · 03-31-2008, 01:35 PM

you gotta love autozone for that reason. my local autozone doesnt even charge me for the stuff anymore im in there so much.

o3shortbed · 03-31-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87c10slammer

you gotta love autozone for that reason. my local autozone doesnt even charge me for the stuff anymore im in there so much.

mine too i love the zone

03-27-2008, 11:15 AM	#1
ag90fox Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2	Rear Wheel Bearings...DIY Job? Howdy, I've got a 1995 Chevy K1500 Z-71, 167K mi, and I've got the typical speed dependent roaring noise from the back wheels, so am going to replace the rear wheel bearings. I'm confident about pulling the axles without a problem (and have the Haynes manual), but am thinking that I may not have the tools necessary to get the bearings off the axle (or new ones on). Is a press HIGHLY recommended, or can I do it with hand tools? I realize I may have to buy a wrench to get the axle off the vehicle, but I'd like to save the $225 quoted for labor if possible. Thanks for your advice/experience! Joe San Antonio TX

03-27-2008, 01:34 PM	#3
03chevy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: jax,fl Posts: 1,186	you can do it all with hand tools unless you just want to use air __________________ A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste!

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03-27-2008, 11:41 AM	#2
87c10slammer Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: levittown pa Posts: 2,197	they shouldnt be pressed in i have never ran into one that is.

03-27-2008, 02:50 PM	#4
Rick Hindmon Full Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South East Michigan Posts: 12	I just did a set on a 95 1500 Suburban with 115000 miles and the bearings are pressed into the axle housing, you will need a bearing puller and a seal and bearing installer to do the job. You may want to check the differantial side bearings as well, after I did the axle bearings on this one it had a vibration above 63 mph and thats what we found, a buddy told me that GM had a lot of trouble with these (he works in product development at GM powertrain)

03-27-2008, 04:07 PM	#5
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Welcome to the site: Rick Hindmon makes a very good point with regards to the differential carrier bearings. Axle bearings can, and will make noise, but we must remamber that the carrier also has bearings and they have made approx the same amount of rotations as the axle bearings have. If the axle bearings have met the end of thier life, then it is safe to assume that the bearings inside of the center section are just as likely to require replacement. The other thing to consider is that the pinion bearings have over three times the rotational wear. Since the pinion turns at a greater rate than the differential, and over three times the amount of the axles, it may be safe to also assume that these may need some attention as well.

03-27-2008, 07:43 PM	#6
MORROWMUDDER Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ohio/Montana Posts: 138	i just rebuilt a GM 10 bolt axle for my 96, put a locker in it with a open carrier and all new seals and bearings. did it all myself with hand tools really was'nt that hard if ya got a weekend to do it right. hardest thing was getting out the axle bearings that took some work with a slide hammer i borrowed from the part store. as for installing the bearings and seals a big open pipe and sockets worked fine for me. differential case bearing kit ran be about 75 bucks included the bearings and seals. however the axle bearings and seals were seperate. had about an another 60 bucks in those. if ya do go with the differential bearing kit and do it yourself would probably be a good idea to mark your pinion and ring gear to make sure they go back in the right alignment. this is kinda one of those projects were time is money if you do it right the first time and spend a few extra bucks it will save you alot of time and money in the end. have fun and good luck.

03-31-2008, 05:23 AM	#7
ag90fox Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2	Just wanted to say THANKS for the insight into replacing my rear wheel bearings. The first time is always a bit shakey, but now having done it once, I could do it again in a heartbeat! The only nervous moment came when I shoved the first axle back into the differential & heard a clunk, which turned out to be one of those little gears that had fallen out of position. I freaked for a minute, but after a few, figured out how to reposition it so the retaining bar would slide back through the holes. Autozone was awesome with their tool loan program. I "borrowed" the t-shaped bearing pullers & bearing driver set which also made things a bunch easier! Thanks again!

03-31-2008, 01:35 PM	#8
87c10slammer Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: levittown pa Posts: 2,197	you gotta love autozone for that reason. my local autozone doesnt even charge me for the stuff anymore im in there so much.