1971 C10 longbed L6 axle bearing life

[trevarthan]

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!