This is topic JohnB and others, axle bearing question in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
Guys, I have been gathering a few things while my rearend is out.

I have a Ford pinion seal, axle seals, and differential cover. When I asked for axle bearings they wanted $32 a piece. I know Autozone sells Timken bearings for $11.

Is there any reason to stay away from the parts store when it comes to these bearings? I'll buy the Ford ones if I have to, but I could save $50 assuming the Timken ones work well.

John, what has your experience been?
Thanks,
Luke [patriot]
 
Posted by 67stang (Member # 549) on :
 
Timken is about the best bearing you can buy.
 
Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
67stang, thanks for the help. Perhaps you can shed a little more light.

When I did my 5 lug conversion, I pulled the 5 lug axles from a 94 Mustang in the yard. I don't remember what the mileage was. I also did not notice any unusual pitting or groves from the part of the axles that rides the bearing.

I made the mistake of being lazy and not replacing the bearings/seals at the same time.

Immediately my driver side seal started leaking.
I thought it was just the seal, but after doing some research, I found that it is very common to have high mileage axles turned down from years of riding on the bearing (bearing can be turned down too).

Since my rearend is currently out awaiting some torque box reinforcement plate machining, I plan to pull the axles and use calipers to measure the diameter of the part of the axles that rides on the bearing. I'll see if there is any major difference from side to side. Do you have any idea what an acceptable tolerance is for axle diameter reduction? For example, if I measure the part of the axle the does not ride on the bearing and find it to be 1.500" in diameter, how much below that can the bearing contact point diameter be before the axle is considered junk? After a certain point, the axle will have too much play and put too much stress on the seal and cause a leak.
 
Posted by 67stang (Member # 549) on :
 
Luke,
Not sure of the OD spec...probably can find it in some factory service manual. It's not needed though. Inspect the journal surface on the axle where the bearing rides and look for visibile gouging, wear, etc. If you had a bad bearing it would not evenly turn-down the axle but scar it up badly and unevenly.

You'll be able to immediately tell if there is an issue when you go to press on the new bearing. If it goes on as a nice interference fit, you are fine. If it is loose, the axle is no good.
 
Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
Ok sounds good, I will be closely inspecting them this weekend.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
 




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