1971 C10 longbed L6 axle bearing life - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

trevarthan · 06-23-2014, 01:38 PM

Hello,

I bought this truck a few months ago. Shortly after buying it, I noticed a metal on metal sound coming from the rear end when the cab window was open. I thought it might be either a bearing or the brakes, so I went to the mechanic and they said my brakes were gone in the rear.

We changed that, and sure enough, the parking brake travelled a LOT less when I parked it. Awesome. But I still heard the noise. I took it back, this time convinced it was a bearing.

They put the truck up on the lift and spun the tires. They were pretty sure it was an axle bearing at that point, so they changed one of them. I drove it. Yup, much quieter, but I still hear the noise. Maybe the other one is bad too.

Anyway, this truck only has 94k on the OD. Is it normal for axle bearings to go bad after 94k (and, admittedly, 43 years)? Maybe it was sitting somewhere for a while and moisture got in there? Maybe the seals rotted? Most of the rubber on the truck is cracked and crumbling.

How long should I expect the new bearings to last?

I'm just curious. Thanks!

88Ironduke · 06-23-2014, 04:47 PM

its not a bad idea to put new axel bearing in when they are 43 years old. Since its a long bed it should be a two piece drive shaft... If its a two piece look at your carrier bearing, may be the culprit of the noise and they are known for failing. If it a decent shop they may changed have changed the differential fluid when they did the axel bearing. If not it probably should be done. Knock out the other bearing and make sure you pull the fill plug before draining the differential.

88Ironduke

trevarthan · 06-23-2014, 06:32 PM

Just watched this video on replacing carrier bearings (I love youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JurluoSxJHI

It looks like a task with a lot of gotcha moments where things can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing (ordering new nuts instead of using old ones, for example). If I don't have time to do this myself, can any shop do it, or should I take it to a specialty shop?

**truckdude239** · 06-23-2014, 08:50 PM

Whati recomend when it come to the center dupport bearing is to hsve a drive shaft shop go though the shaft new besring and u joints and have them reblance the shaft

06-23-2014, 01:38 PM	#1
trevarthan Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 121	1971 C10 longbed L6 axle bearing life Hello, I bought this truck a few months ago. Shortly after buying it, I noticed a metal on metal sound coming from the rear end when the cab window was open. I thought it might be either a bearing or the brakes, so I went to the mechanic and they said my brakes were gone in the rear. We changed that, and sure enough, the parking brake travelled a LOT less when I parked it. Awesome. But I still heard the noise. I took it back, this time convinced it was a bearing. They put the truck up on the lift and spun the tires. They were pretty sure it was an axle bearing at that point, so they changed one of them. I drove it. Yup, much quieter, but I still hear the noise. Maybe the other one is bad too. Anyway, this truck only has 94k on the OD. Is it normal for axle bearings to go bad after 94k (and, admittedly, 43 years)? Maybe it was sitting somewhere for a while and moisture got in there? Maybe the seals rotted? Most of the rubber on the truck is cracked and crumbling. How long should I expect the new bearings to last? I'm just curious. Thanks!

06-23-2014, 04:47 PM	#2
88Ironduke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Willingboro, NJ Posts: 489	Re: 1971 C10 longbed L6 axle bearing life its not a bad idea to put new axel bearing in when they are 43 years old. Since its a long bed it should be a two piece drive shaft... If its a two piece look at your carrier bearing, may be the culprit of the noise and they are known for failing. If it a decent shop they may changed have changed the differential fluid when they did the axel bearing. If not it probably should be done. Knock out the other bearing and make sure you pull the fill plug before draining the differential. 88Ironduke __________________ Retired USAF - No rockets, no mortars, no bad guys shooting...No stress!!! My Build Thread: Project 72' Green http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=587932

06-23-2014, 06:32 PM	#3
trevarthan Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 121	Re: 1971 C10 longbed L6 axle bearing life Just watched this video on replacing carrier bearings (I love youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JurluoSxJHI It looks like a task with a lot of gotcha moments where things can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing (ordering new nuts instead of using old ones, for example). If I don't have time to do this myself, can any shop do it, or should I take it to a specialty shop?

06-23-2014, 08:50 PM	#4
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: 1971 C10 longbed L6 axle bearing life Whati recomend when it come to the center dupport bearing is to hsve a drive shaft shop go though the shaft new besring and u joints and have them reblance the shaft __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube



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