~ Axle Bearing questions ~

[nimrod.sixty9]

As some of you know; Ive been down and out with this issue and today is the day the Camaro gets back on the road... But I have a few question before I start...


Anyone ever try the Timken bearing/seal repair/kit (the one that moves the bearing to an unworn part of the axle)? If so, how well did they work out for you? Did they fix your issues?

Is there an easier way to get the new oil in the housing? Any tips would be appreciated.

RTV on new rear gasket or no?

Any tips on putting in new wheel studs?

[EarlR]

Re: ~ Axle Bearing questions ~

As some of you know; Ive been down and out with this issue and today is the day the Camaro gets back on the road... But I have a few question before I start...


Anyone ever try the Timken bearing/seal repair/kit (the one that moves the bearing to an unworn part of the axle)? If so, how well did they work out for you? Did they fix your issues?

Is there an easier way to get the new oil in the housing? Any tips would be appreciated.

RTV on new rear gasket or no?

Any tips on putting in new wheel studs?

I replaced the bearings on mine with the ones you're talking about last year; as it turned out it wasn't the axle bearings but the pinion bearing that was bad, so I ended up having to replace that too. I'm not sure what issues you're having, but the bearings seemed to work fine, right up until one started leaking a couple of months ago. I ended up having to replace the bearing & seal, since you can't get just a new seal for those bearings (at least Autozone couldn't get one). So I ended up putting an OEM-type bearing back in with a separate seal, and it seems to be working ok. One other thing with those all-in-one bearing/seal kit; those bearings don't let the axle push in as far, so getting the c-clip back on can be a PITA. I actually had to tap one of mine with a hammer & drift punch to get it back on. For that reason alone I would avoid those bearings unless I really needed to use a different part of the axle.

I use one of those cheap fluid pumps to put the gear oil back in the diff & trans, it works well enough for the little I need it.

Yes, I use RTV on the diff gasket - particularly on the side facing the cover. I think I used the spray gasket sealer on the diff side, but don't remember for sure.

An impact wrench makes installing new studs a breeze; I just get a couple of throw-away lug nuts, use a big flat washer and a lot of oil/WD40/whatever, and tighten them until the head is seated flush. Only tighten them enough to just seat the head, otherwise you will damage the threads. After you install the studs and wheels, torque the wheels and drive around the block, then come back and re-torque them just to make sure you got them all fully seated.

[ssms5411]

Re: ~ Axle Bearing questions ~

I would first just get a new axle then just install the studs,you can tell from the back when they are seated all the way. As for the cover as long as it is not warped or any crap on it a gasket should seal it fine if you TQ the bolts down correctly. I have never used any sealer on the diff., just use a razor to make sure it is flat and clean, even with my TA gridle no leaks.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: ~ Axle Bearing questions ~

This question was posted before I pulled the axle the second time. I obviously have no choice but to get another axle.

'cheap fluid pump' Please explain what this is and where did you get it..

Thanks for all the info!

[black98V6]

Re: ~ Axle Bearing questions ~

check out autozone or (insert autoparts store here) and ask them about a pump to transfer the fluid to the diff there are some that are like big turkey basters others that act like siphon pumps and such.

[EarlR]

Re: ~ Axle Bearing questions ~

'cheap fluid pump' Please explain what this is and where did you get it..

Thanks for all the info!

Something like this is all I use.