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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: 1976er on March 26, 2012, 09:34:02 PM

Title: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: 1976er on March 26, 2012, 09:34:02 PM
No luck in the search department (too wordy?); never seems to be much help.  Anyhow, 1976 3/4 ton full float axle, doing rear brake job.  What is the proper way to set up the wheel bearings?  I have never done a brake job of this nature and want to be right the first time.  Anything else usually need to be replaced while I am in there?  I appreciate any and all input I can get from you all.  Thanks much
Title: Re: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: Blazin on March 26, 2012, 10:03:53 PM
You want to coat the bearings with the same oil your running in the rear axle before you install them into the races. Then spin them around a little in the races.
I tighten them until the drum is hard to turn, then back it of till it spins free, but no looseness, or play.
Title: Re: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: 1976er on March 26, 2012, 10:23:51 PM
Sounds good.  Do I not repack the bearings with grease or are they lubed by axle oil?  Thanks again
Title: Re: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: bigchevyc30 on March 26, 2012, 11:05:39 PM
the book i got on these trucks shows to pack them with grease so i did what it said
Title: Re: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: 1980c10 on March 27, 2012, 10:56:32 AM
I tighten them until they feel tight and try to push the washer behind the bearing side to side with a screwdriver and loosen them if I can't and tighten them if I can easily. Kind of find the middle point to where I can barely move the washer. I will also carefully inspect the bearings before re-packing for any wear at all or just install new bearings with the brake job.
Title: Re: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: 1976er on March 27, 2012, 11:48:48 AM
Thanks all, I appreciate the help.  I really should buy a manual I guess.  But everyone here is really great!  THANKS
Title: Re: Ful float axle bearing pre-load?
Post by: Blazin on March 27, 2012, 10:44:41 PM
They are lubed with gear oil from the rear end. No need to pack them. thats why I mentioned wetting them with gear oil before installing them. Oil provides less rolling resistance than grease.