'99 Silverado 2500 - Replace rear wheel bearing

[bheston]

1999 Silverado 2500 4x4 6.0L
I had a squeeking sound in the rear end, U-joints all fine, then noticed my right rear wheel had some fluid on it. I pulled the brake caliper off and it looks fine, slipped the rotor off and found fluid coming from the axle seal.

I assume I need to replace wheel bearing and seal, and the axle shaft looks like it has to come out but I haven't done one of these before. Do I have to open the differetial? What holds the axle in place? I have read that the bearing is either pressed into the axle tube or pressed onto the axle shaft, anyone know what is true? I have a slide hammer if I need to pound it out of the tube, any other specialty tools needed?

TIA guys, this site is great!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by bheston

1999 Silverado 2500 4x4 6.0L
I had a squeeking sound in the rear end, U-joints all fine, then noticed my right rear wheel had some fluid on it. I pulled the brake caliper off and it looks fine, slipped the rotor off and found fluid coming from the axle seal.

I assume I need to replace wheel bearing and seal, and the axle shaft looks like it has to come out but I haven't done one of these before. Do I have to open the differetial? What holds the axle in place? I have read that the bearing is either pressed into the axle tube or pressed onto the axle shaft, anyone know what is true? I have a slide hammer if I need to pound it out of the tube, any other specialty tools needed?

TIA guys, this site is great!

using a repair manual open the rear diff cover. both wheels off the ground . then rotate the axle to reveal the locking hardware.

pull axles out. using a slide hammer with jaws remove the bearings/seals. not needing a lot of force.

on installing use a large socket and tap into place.

replace both at this time. not just one side.

if the brake shield is rusted out a good time to replace that as well.....

[kahjdh]

do the 2500's have full or semifloating rear axles? It will be different then.

[bheston]

Thanks for the help guys, this job was pretty simple. Once I found and removed the C clip on the axle shaft inside the differential by sliding the axle in, the axle slid right out and the bearing and seal could be replaced.

This truck has a semi-floating rear axle.

[jdmccright]

I recently changed the bearings and axle seals on my '95 and afterwards noticed diff fluid coming out of one side. Turns out the new seal wasn't quite big enough to provide a good interference seal with the axle tube housing...it was snug but I could remove it by hand. Rather than having to drain the diff, remove the shaft, and replace the seal again, I jacked up the one side, cleaned the tube and seal surfaces with solvent, and applied a thin coat of oil resistant silicone sealant. Pressed it back in to cure...no leaks since.

I write this so you can check that the seals are a good fit and avoid more leakage. Good luck!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

I recently changed the bearings and axle seals on my '95 and afterwards noticed diff fluid coming out of one side. Turns out the new seal wasn't quite big enough to provide a good interference seal with the axle tube housing...it was snug but I could remove it by hand. Rather than having to drain the diff, remove the shaft, and replace the seal again, I jacked up the one side, cleaned the tube and seal surfaces with solvent, and applied a thin coat of oil resistant silicone sealant. Pressed it back in to cure...no leaks since.

I write this so you can check that the seals are a good fit and avoid more leakage. Good luck!

what can occur with old/ high mileage vehicles would be a worn spot on the axle where the seals riding surface is. using a seal that is slightly different than the OEM/or what was used last could cause this to ride on the axle area not worn. then it could also be just defective chinese crap parts..especially rubber parts...