55.2-59 Rear axel bearing and seal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**popeyestruck** · 10-04-2022, 03:18 PM

Rebuilding my rear end on my 59 and putting in 3:38 gears. Putting new axel bearings and seals in. Does the lip go out on the seal? Also I usually put the numbers out on the bearing is this correct? Name: IMG_20221004_150600.jpg
Views: 132
Size: 65.5 KB

Name: IMG_20221004_150600.jpg
Views: 132
Size: 65.5 KB

Name: IMG_20221004_150610.jpg
Views: 115
Size: 63.3 KB

**MJN** · 10-04-2022, 03:31 PM

The seal in the top photo is correct

**popeyestruck** · 10-04-2022, 04:06 PM

Thanks thats what I thought

dsraven · 10-04-2022, 11:23 PM

find something that fits the outside of the bearing closely for hammering it in. sometimes the old bearing will work for most of the way in until it also starts to get into the press fit area. it could be ground down a bit so it wouldn't start getting tight. a nice flat piece of steel works well for the seal driver. ensure to clean the axle tubes and center section well, I use a wire wheel made for a drill, I thread the shank and then use a threaded rod connector nut and a piece of threaded rod for an extension so I can chuck it up in my drill. then I use an old garden sprayer with solvent to flush it all out well. some brake clean to dry it up, then install the bearings and seals. drive on the side of the bearing that has the part numbers so if you need to do it again sometime you will see the numbers. grease the bearing, then grease the seal lip and install that to be flush with the axle tube, that way you know it is squarely placed. ensure to check the axle where the bearing rides as it is common to see wear there as well as where the seal rides. look for greying and discoloration on the bearing surface of the axle. also, beware of the dust that will be around the brake components as it is carcinogenic. I usually use agarden hose or a hand pump spray bottle to wet things down so it can't get airbourne. keep solvents off the brake friction material if the brakes are still on. it is a great time to check the brake backing plates since the axles are out.look for grooved out spots where the brake shoes rub as the shoes tend to fall into the grooves and then don't move easily as they should.

**popeyestruck** · 10-05-2022, 04:21 AM

Thanks! Good information

dsraven · 10-05-2022, 10:30 AM

forgot to mention to clean out the vent and hose. a plugged vent has been the reason for a lot of axle seal leaks as the pressure builds inside the housing as things warm up and expand with no where to vent.

10-04-2022, 03:18 PM	#1
popeyestruck Senior Member Join Date: May 2022 Location: Longwood 59 chevy Posts: 317	Rear axel bearing and seal Rebuilding my rear end on my 59 and putting in 3:38 gears. Putting new axel bearings and seals in. Does the lip go out on the seal? Also I usually put the numbers out on the bearing is this correct?

10-04-2022, 03:31 PM	#2
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,051	Re: Rear axel bearing and seal The seal in the top photo is correct __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

10-04-2022, 04:06 PM	#3
popeyestruck Senior Member Join Date: May 2022 Location: Longwood 59 chevy Posts: 317	Re: Rear axel bearing and seal Thanks thats what I thought

10-04-2022, 11:23 PM	#4
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,333	Re: Rear axel bearing and seal find something that fits the outside of the bearing closely for hammering it in. sometimes the old bearing will work for most of the way in until it also starts to get into the press fit area. it could be ground down a bit so it wouldn't start getting tight. a nice flat piece of steel works well for the seal driver. ensure to clean the axle tubes and center section well, I use a wire wheel made for a drill, I thread the shank and then use a threaded rod connector nut and a piece of threaded rod for an extension so I can chuck it up in my drill. then I use an old garden sprayer with solvent to flush it all out well. some brake clean to dry it up, then install the bearings and seals. drive on the side of the bearing that has the part numbers so if you need to do it again sometime you will see the numbers. grease the bearing, then grease the seal lip and install that to be flush with the axle tube, that way you know it is squarely placed. ensure to check the axle where the bearing rides as it is common to see wear there as well as where the seal rides. look for greying and discoloration on the bearing surface of the axle. also, beware of the dust that will be around the brake components as it is carcinogenic. I usually use agarden hose or a hand pump spray bottle to wet things down so it can't get airbourne. keep solvents off the brake friction material if the brakes are still on. it is a great time to check the brake backing plates since the axles are out.look for grooved out spots where the brake shoes rub as the shoes tend to fall into the grooves and then don't move easily as they should.

10-05-2022, 04:21 AM	#5
popeyestruck Senior Member Join Date: May 2022 Location: Longwood 59 chevy Posts: 317	Re: Rear axel bearing and seal Thanks! Good information

10-05-2022, 10:30 AM	#6
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,333	Re: Rear axel bearing and seal forgot to mention to clean out the vent and hose. a plugged vent has been the reason for a lot of axle seal leaks as the pressure builds inside the housing as things warm up and expand with no where to vent.



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