Anyone think I need new axles?

[Mr. Pink]

Well, I've been experiencing some "noise" recently. I would best describe it has "crunching rocks" and the noise doesn't last long. It happens usually during ONE of the following conditions:

1) 55mph
2) Occasionally under 40mph
3) Sweeping right hand curves (think entrance/exit ramps)

If I drive through the noise I don't even hear it. I had suspected it to be the rear axles...possible wheel bearing. So, I pulled the rear and here is what the axles look like. There is some pitting but no gashed and excessive wear marks. When I popped the diff cover I thought the fluid was a little low....but I haven't much experience here to know for sure.

So, any thoughts?

[SVO4PWR2]

Hello Moser....
The fluid level looks to be OK ....when you put it back in youre gonna fill it till the fluid just starts coming out of the hole.

i'm gonna try to get over there during the week...that floor looks a little to clean, i'm gonna have to spill something

-RICH-

[tbrody]

Moser Engineering

As long as you've got it apart, I would just replace the axles and bearings right now, I did the same to mine, when all I intended to do was change out the gears and fluid. The axles were about $230 (Moser Engineering) a pair but well worth not having to take it apart again. It took some hunting to find studs that fit properly though.

[Mr. Pink]

I spoke to Moser this morning and they quoted me $252 w/ studs. Only problem was they wouldn't have them to me until Wed if I paid for overnight shipping (an extra $100). Standard shipping was $24 and I could have them on Thursday. I was hoping to have the car back on the road by then.

[Mr. Pink]

I'm gonna see if I can rent a bearing removal tool from the local parts store....but does anyone have any suggestions on removing/installing rear wheel bearings with basic shop tools if I can't rent one?

[SVO4PWR2]

Sidehammer to get out the bearings then a hammer and a block of wood to get bearings in

-RICH-

[MacToolsSVO]

Just got done redoing mine....do yourself a huge favor, dont rush it...get the right tools and do it correctly. Harbor freight sells a rather inexpensive bearing install kit....you need to have the bearing seated correctly or you'll be doing the job again sooner than youd like. Take it from a guy who is super impatient and usually has to do things over cause I couldnt wait to have the right tools. Besides, there will be a whole lot less cursing if you use the right tools because the job is actually pretty simple when you have the right tools IMO. Also alot of the national auto store chains will rent you the tools and you get your $$ back when you bring back the tool kit


Andy

[NavySVO]

If you have a truck stop or a place around that services HD trucks/semis, they could press the new bearings on for fairly cheap.
Heck, you would think Moser would do it before sending them. See what they would charge you to do it......just a thought.

[MacToolsSVO]

bearings do NOT go ON the axles ! Press them in the housing and make sure they are not cocked at all...they should sit square in the housing....there is a shoulder inside the housing where the back of the bearing will rest



Andy

[Ken Potter]

There are also "cheater" bearings that move the contact area / bearing position outward on the axle shafts to save having to buy new axles. I have them in my 85 GT and have had no problems.

[JTurbo]

There are also "cheater" bearings that move the contact area / bearing position outward on the axle shafts to save having to buy new axles. I have them in my 85 GT and have had no problems.

X2 - I had the local shop install these along with new seals in the rear of my 86 a few years ago. So far, so good.

[svono50]

X2 - I had the local shop install these along with new seals in the rear of my 86 a few years ago. So far, so good.

X3 - I have been running axle saver bearings for ~8 years with only a slight weeping of fluid every now and then. The integrated seal is nice, but be careful when you push the axle in to put on the c-clip, you can damage the seal and end up with a leak...ask me how I know. Just make sure you clean the rust/crud off the axle outside the original seal area. If you damage the seal the entire bearing assembly has to be replaced

[Mr. Pink]

X3 - I have been running axle saver bearings for ~8 years with only a slight weeping of fluid every now and then. The integrated seal is nice, but be careful when you push the axle in to put on the c-clip, you can damage the seal and end up with a leak...ask me how I know. Just make sure you clean the rust/crud off the axle outside the original seal area. If you damage the seal the entire bearing assembly has to be replaced

x4 now....working on it as we speak. I just didn't want to wait to get the car back on the road. Maybe I'll put some Mosers in the SSCC car.

I cleaned the inside of the housing good; hopefully no leaks or I'll be doing it AGAIN. I was able to rent (w/ the option to purchase) a slide hammer for the local parts store......it's pretty nice kit; although I can't see a lot of need for it. I've got 45 days to return it, so I should know by then if I'll need to use it again or not.....