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| | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 164 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 164 | I'm going to clean and re-pack the front wheel bearings on my '53 Chevy 3100 but am not sure about the rear bearings. The owners manual says "The 1/2 ton semi-floating axle has the wheel bolted directly to the axle flange, the bearing is in the outer end of the axle housing and rides on a special race on the axle shaft just back of the axle flange." Are these axle bearings easily accessible or is this something I should avoid until I have a problem? Are rear axle bearing problems common? Thanks!
~Denny 1953 Chevy 3100 w/1960 261 cid, 848 head | Weber 32/36 progressive 2 barrel carb. | Three on the tree & 3:55 torque tube | 12 V w/Gener-Nator & 6 V starter In the Gallery Forum1998 Chevy Suburban 350 ci awd/4wd | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | The only thing I would suggest is to pull the rear drums once in a long while to make sure that the axle seals aren't leaking. The bearings don't require maintenance. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
Along with following truckernix's suggestion, be sure to regularly check the rear-end lubricant/gear-oil level, and top it up as required.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 164 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 164 | Will do, guys. Thanks for the advice!
~Denny 1953 Chevy 3100 w/1960 261 cid, 848 head | Weber 32/36 progressive 2 barrel carb. | Three on the tree & 3:55 torque tube | 12 V w/Gener-Nator & 6 V starter In the Gallery Forum1998 Chevy Suburban 350 ci awd/4wd | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,286 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,286 | With the rear tire/rim removed, lift up on the axle shaft flange to feel for any up and down movement. If there is no, or little discernible movement, you are good to go.
Carl
Last edited by 52Carl; 02/16/2016 1:42 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 164 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 164 | Thanks, Carl. I appreciate the tip.
~Denny 1953 Chevy 3100 w/1960 261 cid, 848 head | Weber 32/36 progressive 2 barrel carb. | Three on the tree & 3:55 torque tube | 12 V w/Gener-Nator & 6 V starter In the Gallery Forum1998 Chevy Suburban 350 ci awd/4wd | | |
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