axle question

[cam98aro]

hey guys, i need to get some new axles for my car, and wheel bearings.

can someone please tell me what axle i need, as i am unsure.

i have an open diff with 3.23 gears, t5 trans. While looking at axles, it seems they make them for 3 or 4 channel abs sensors, and i have no idea what i have.

regarding the wheel bearing, is this what i need: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1198950553___

their website seems a little iffy with this stuff, and doesnt say if it is for the rear, or front, and im assuming that it is a "wheel bearing" just named a bit differently.

thanks for any help

[ssms5411]

Re: axle question

I think I have a set of rear wheel bearings , I'll take a pic, my 96' came with 3.23's and was a 5 speed. yours is probably 3 channel , you would have a traction control switch if it was 4 channel I think , not sure though. But I'll see if I can find the rear wheel bearings and get a part # for you.

[ssms5411]

Re: axle question

I found the 2 I had plus a tranny seal , I knew I saw them in one of my drawers, the rear axle seals GM# 26029139

heres some pics:

[FirebirdGT]

Re: axle question

The 93-97 and 98-02 axles are different lengths due to the different rear brakes. Check with your dealer you will get different p/n. Also discussed on Z28.com - problems when wrong year installed.

[cam98aro]

Re: axle question

The 93-97 and 98-02 axles are different lengths due to the different rear brakes. Check with your dealer you will get different p/n. Also discussed on Z28.com - problems when wrong year installed.

thanks for the info, i thought the 97+ was the same, and the 96 and below had a larger hub?

I found the 2 I had plus a tranny seal , I knew I saw them in one of my drawers, the rear axle seals GM# 26029139

heres some pics:

I think I have a set of rear wheel bearings , I'll take a pic, my 96' came with 3.23's and was a 5 speed. yours is probably 3 channel , you would have a traction control switch if it was 4 channel I think , not sure though. But I'll see if I can find the rear wheel bearings and get a part # for you.

thanks, since i have a 98, will the seals work for me? Im assuming they will

and those are just the seals and not a wheel bearing?

im a bit confused here

[ssms5411]

Re: axle question

Your right those are just seals , got it mixed up , try Rock Auto they should have wheel bearings or the advanced place you were looking at. Since you can enter your vehicle year for them.

[cam98aro]

Re: axle question

Your right those are just seals , got it mixed up , try Rock Auto they should have wheel bearings or the advanced place you were looking at. Since you can enter your vehicle year for them.

thanks, so the link i posted was the wheel bearing/seal?

i have never replaced a wheel bearing before, so im a bit new at the parts i need

[bigbrian442]

Re: axle question

The bearing linked in the first post is a repair bearing that you use if the bad bearing has damaged your axle. The repair bearing moves the bearing out toward the axle flange, so it rides on a virgin part of the axle that is not damaged.
This would be the stock replacement bearing,
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1198960610___

The repair bearing comes with the axle seal as part of the bearing, the stock replacement bearing does not so you would also need to by seals with those.

3 channel ABS has one sensor in the center section of the rear, above the ring gear. 4 channel has two sensors, one on each rear axle, behind the rotor.

If you have 3 channel the 4 channel axle should still work. you will just have the reluctor wheel on each axle, not being used.

[cam98aro]

Re: axle question

The bearing linked in the first post is a repair bearing that you use if the bad bearing has damaged your axle. The repair bearing moves the bearing out toward the axle flange, so it rides on a virgin part of the axle that is not damaged.
This would be the stock replacement bearing,
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1198960610___

The repair bearing comes with the axle seal as part of the bearing, the stock replacement bearing does not so you would also need to by seals with those.

3 channel ABS has one sensor in the center section of the rear, above the ring gear. 4 channel has two sensors, one on each rear axle, behind the rotor.

If you have 3 channel the 4 channel axle should still work. you will just have the reluctor wheel on each axle, not being used.

Awesome, thanks for that.

After talking to a few people, i think the axle itself is damaged, when i had my tire/brakes off i could move the axle in and out maybe 1/16" and i was told tht they should be pretty solid in there, and a lot of times the axle gets worn out at the c-clip causing some noise. I have heard this noise for probably 2 years now, and i would think if it was a wheel bearing it would have gotten a lot worse by now. What is your opinion on that?

The sound im hearing sounds like brake pads rubbing on a rusty part of the rotor, thats the best way i can describe it, when i had the back on jack stands the noise seemed really bad, but when it is on the road its not nearly as bad.

[bigbrian442]

Re: axle question

I would pull it apart and take a look before I bought anything. A cover gasket and gear oil aren't that much if you don't find the problem.

[cam98aro]

Re: axle question

I would pull it apart and take a look before I bought anything. A cover gasket and gear oil aren't that much if you don't find the problem.

thanks, what do you think about the rear end being bad?

Im hoping thats not the case though.

[bigbrian442]

Re: axle question

I think the 1/16" of play in and out on the axle is normal. Some rears have more then that. If something wears out on these 7 5/8 rears, it is usually bearings or the cross pin/ cross pin bore.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: axle question

For the love of GOD, what ever you do; do not get TIMKEN! And do not get any repair kits!

I am now a pro at taking out axles...

You may not even need bearings. Most likely just axles (but its still preventive maintenance).

To do the bearing and seal youll need a slide hammer kit, rubber mallet, block of wood, grease for the brake components, grease for bearings, oil, gasket, and various tools im sure you already have. I was able to geat the bearing in with the adjuster on the slide hammer (I was lucky it was the exact same diamiter as the axle housing). Compare the slide hammer to the bearing you going to get, if its too big or too small then your going to have to find something else to get that bearing in there. And a tip I cannot express enough no Timken bearings!

If you have 3 channel the 4 channel axle should still work. you will just have the reluctor wheel on each axle, not being used.

During my hunts and comparisons in the JYards I noticed that the reluctor wheel can actually be taken off if need be.

[bwkmaro]

Re: axle question

1/16 of play is completly normal i have at least that on all brand new parts and my old axle with 225000 miles on it had the same amount of play, that guy is just trying to make money. and if i were you i would get gm bearings or a good brand cause cheap ones tend to last like cheap ones same with the seals.

[cam98aro]

Re: axle question

thanks for the info, why not timken?

i was actually looking at their bearings, my dad used to make parts for them in the steel mill, he says they are good (or at least used to be in the 60/70's)