Bearings for my 9"?

[Jesus_man]

My rear axle has been leaking out the tubes for quite some time, so I dug into them today. My fear is that the leaking oil has washed out all the grease inside my bearings so I need to replace them.

The only part number I can find is on a retaining ring for the bearing. It's PMR88128A. Based on some internet searches, it look like like that's timken number R88128.

Based on a thread on Pirate, it is interchangeable with:

Timken bearing 514003P came as a sealed bearing and included the pressed on ring that I needed. $18.99 from Autozone (special order)

I can't find any specs on this bearing and I don't want to press it off until I know I have the right part number. Can anyone verify that either of these part numbers will work?

And my caliper bracket is between this bearing and the axle flange. How the heck do I press that bearing off?

I am not at all opposed to going with a set of tapered bearings if it's easier and cost effective, but I have not idea where to start with that.

Thanks!

J.D.

[ZOSO]

I have the same issue in my 79. What I found its cause the caliper bracket doesnt let the seal sit all the way in there. I ended up having to put silicone on mine to keep them from leaking.

[Justin]

I thought the axle oil was supposed to keep the bearings lubed, at least on the tapered bearings? Wouldn't the non-tapered ones work the same way, or does the seal on the bearing keep them from getting adequate lubrication from the lube? Not saying it'd be ideal, but would it wreck the bearings?

[plumbdoctor]

514003 is the correct number. It is the large bearing... Advance Auto had them for me in an afternoon

[Viperwolf1]

SMALL BEARING DIM'S...2.835" O.D. / 1.376" I.D.--RW-207-CCRA
LARGE BEARING DIM'S...3.150" O.D. / 1.531" I.D.--514003

The sealed bearings are not lubed with axle oil. That's why the seal is inboard. A leaking seal will wash out the bearing grease and the bearing will fail.

Tappered bearings (Set20) are lubed with axle oil and the seal is outboard.

Easiest way to get the bearings off is to cut them and the retainer.

[Justin]

Right, forgot about the inner seal on the non-tapered bearings. My PO was kind enough to install both inner and outer seals on the tapered bearings on mine.

[Jesus_man]

You guys rock! I'll see if I can find some bearings local. I assume that part number comes with the retaining ring too?

Viper - Is the bearing pressed on too? So even if I get the retaining ring off, I still have a press fit on the bearing? I have a friend with a press so that's not a huge deal as I would assume I'd have to press new ones on. Might as well do it all on the press if I can. Trouble is he doesn't have the bearing pullers so we'll have to get creative.

Thanks!

J.D.

[Gunnibronco]

I cut 75% of the way through the bearing retainer with a thin cut off wheel, then used a hammer & chisel to break the retainer. Very easy, it was how the mechanics at my old job recommended. You will need to press them back on.

[Viperwolf1]

Yes, both bearing and retainer are pressed on. Gunni has the proper technique for removal.

[landshark]

Yup I did the same as gunni. Cut retainer with drill 75% into it. Then took a chisel and put it in the hole and wacked it with a 3lb hammer. Popped ring. Slide it off. Bearing I did similar just more work and careful to avoid axle shaft.

[Jesus_man]

I went and bought a Harbor Freight bearing press clamp thingy. A friend of mine has a press and I'll swing by and use it. Then he can keep the tool.

Should I still cut the retainer off?

Oh, that reminds me. I found two 514003's at an Advance. The retainer ring isn't nearly as thick, but the center "race" on the bearing appears to make up for it. Need to measure with the calipers to be sure. But I had to it all back together with old parts so I could get it back into the garage.

J.D.

[landshark]

even in the ford manual they drill a hole in the retaining ring then hit it with a chisel and hammer.. so i would say go for it it will make a loud pop then you can slide it right off..

[Jesus_man]

10-4 good buddy. Will do! Does the manual say a 3lb sledge? I'm in luck, I just happen to have one.

[landshark]

no idea.. i have a 3lb I use to hit everything.. only took one or two big hits then it popped across the hole i drilled.. you need to use a fairly large drill bit about 80% width or so.. or just use a dremel or something to cut into it about 3/4 of the way.