The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Axle Bearing Retainer Washer?

I wanted to replace the axel bearings on my 63 c10 and when I pulled the bearings out there is a bearing retainer (that is what the book calls it) behind the bearing. I was able to buy a large washer that is close to the same as the retainer, but is not as thick as the original. My question is will this washer work OK, or do I need the exact thickness as well as ID & OD? And if I do need the exact retainer, where can I get a pair, no one I went to today had them available, or even knew about them.

Thanks, Rick

The retainer is a precision-size, press fit piece, and a new one comes packaged with the replacement wheel bearing. We usually take a wide chisel and a BIG hammer, and with the axle sitting firmly on an anvll, make a couple of deep scores in the retainer. That loosens it so it's easier to press the bearing off the shaft. Press the new bearing and retainer on together. Be sure to change the seal in the bolt-on axle retainer if it has one.
Jerry

I am picking up my new bearings in the morning (sat) and will see if the retainer comes with them. Also, my bearings are pressed into the axel tube, not on the axel it self. Does this change your answer at all?

Thanks, Rick

Yes, absolutely! That one uses a seal outboard of the bearing, in the housing, and I've never heard of a "retainer" being used on that setup. The outer shell of the bearing just drives into the housing. It takes a slide hammer puller to remove the old bearing. There are some special offset bearings available that put the contact area between the bearing and the axle in a different location, but that's only necessary if the axle has a worn area where the bearing rollers run.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

My shop manual is calling the washer/shime a "retainer", that's why I used that term. It says, "discard bearing retainer and us a new one upon reassembley". I just don't know if the thickness of this retainer is critical or not.

Rick

Hmmmmm- - - -is this part a thin sheet metal type washer that fits on the inboard side of the bearing? If so, it's probably there to reduce flooding the bearing with rear end grease when the car is in a turn. A little grease will find its way past the washer and keep the bearing lubed, but most of it will get deflected back toward the differential. If the washers aren't damaged, reusing them won't be a problem. The axle shaft shouldn't contact them at all, they're just a sort of deflector to keep from overloading the axle seal with grease during a turn. I believe I've seen them, now that you mention it, but seldom.
Jerry

It sounds like we are on the same page now! That is just what my Dad said he thought they were, but the book just doesn't discribe there function very well. A bearing retainer to me seems like something to keep the bearing in a certain place, that's why I wondered if the thickness was important.

Thanks, Rick