Brakes or Wheel Bearing ? Your thoughts please !

[stratmark1]

I an earlier post, I mentioned a howling noise coming from my truck. While checking the oil in the rear end ( which was fine ), I noticed oil/grease on the inside of my right rear wheel and around the brake drum. This may be where my noise is coming from. Brakes or bearing ?
Easy/cheap to fix ?

Thanks.

[pind]

axle seal, and brakes. and maybe the outboard bearing (s) too, depending on whether it is a 1/2 or 3/4 ton.

[stratmark1]

I talked to the only shop I could find open today, they for the most part said the same thing. I have taken the wheel off, but have not been able to get the brake drum off. I guess I need to get an adjuster tool to back it off so I can remove it ?

Thanks.

[pind]

You may need to back the brake off slightly, as with time and wear, there could be a ridge inboard of the brake shoes, making it almost impossible to slip the drum off over the shoes.

If the drum is seized to the flange, use some penetrating oil around the flange, then, put your lug nuts back on a couple turns, just to protect the studs, and smack the face of the drum, between the studs, with a ball peen hammer. This will break the rust up, and free up the drum for removal.

After this, you will want to remove the diff cover, for access to the spider gear pinion. Remove the keeper bolt in the pinion, then slide the pinion out of the cage. at this point you will be able to push the axle in, and remove the c-clip that holds it in place. Slide the axle shaft out of the housing, and there you have it. Inspect the bearing surface on the shaft, as well as the roller bearing itself, before re-assembly.

When brake shoes have been soaked in oil, it is best to replace them, as a set. So, while you are that far in, maybe you want to do the seals on both sides? save grief in the future.

good luck

[stratmark1]

Thanks for the info, that follows with the Chilton's manual I found. I was hoping I wouldn't have to open the diff and pull the axle, but I've started the project, about have to finish it. You're right about doing both sides, I think I will. Can I do one side at a time or do I have jack up both sides to free up the rear end ? Seems like I would have remove both at the same time.

Thanks for the reply and the advice.