(91 S10 Blazer 2wd) Using a offset/repair bearing on rear axle

[RCHSAlum9k4]

I have a 91 S10 Blazer (2wd ABS, 4 door) that's had a rear-wheel (passenger side) bearing seize up due to a bad oil seal. The axle-shaft is worn a bit and scarred, but can be polished. We were going to put in a new shaft but we're not having luck finding one with the ABS gear/cog on it (even ordered new).

Autozone, Advance both said that since the shaft is just worn a bit we could use a Offseat/Repair Bearing. They said it would do for what we need since the car isn't used off-road or for heavy hauling.

Long term goal is to scrounge an axle and replace the axle and bearing with original spec, but right now this is the best option we've got.

Anyone used this before or light or general use?

[old_master]

Repair bearings have been around for years and work extremely well. While you have the differential cover off, flush it out, make sure there are no metal shavings, don't forget to flush the axle tubes too.

[RCHSAlum9k4]

What would be the risk/problems of putting in a axle-shaft that was the right length, but didn't have the ABS Cog on it?

There's a ton of ABS shafts for the 4wd model at 29", but the 2wd only has the "standard" (no ABS) 26" shaft. Junkyarding has be 0 luck-- mostly same story, Chevy truck and Blazer parts are going out as soon as they come in.

[old_master]

Using an ABS axle in a non abs vehicle if fine. Using a non ABS axle in a vehicle equipped with ABS will cause the ABS light to come on and the ABS system will not work.
If the repair bearing rides on a good section of axle, don't bother replacing the axle. That's the reason for using the repair bearing.

[RCHSAlum9k4]

Just a bit concerned about the wear on the axle. The old bearing scarred a groove about as deep as a sheet of notebook paper is thick and as wide as the bearing. Everyone that's look at it has said the axle just needs a light polish to take off the burrs (not meat off the good parts of the shaft) and it'll slot right into offset bearing no problems and shouldn't be a issue if we don't overload the car or do off road.

I'm just concerned that it'll make the axle flex or twist under any load-- even day to day driving.

[old_master]

I wouldn't hesitate to use a repair bearing but if your concerned about the safety or longevity, the option is a new axle and bearing.

[RCHSAlum9k4]

In your personal experience, what is the safety and basic...quality (to use a word) of driving with one of these bearings?

[old_master]

Quite simply, you can't tell the difference between the OEM set up and a repair bearing, unless you take it apart and look at it.

[RCHSAlum9k4]

Sounds-- reads-- good to me.

Wasted the better part of today trying to locate a ABS axle shaft, then a standard that was the right size and not worn three ways to purgatory in a junkyard, and didn't take a week plus to get in new from a part-supplier

I'm just going to go with the offset/repair bearing kit. The Blazer isn't used for anything but hauling the kids and a groceries, so there shouldn't be a issue there. And besides, worse comes to worse, I end up right back to where I'm at right now, but at least I'll get a few weeks/days use out of the thing and can get my folks truck back to them.

[old_master]

Stuff happens, post back with how the job goes. Don't forget to flush it out.

[RCHSAlum9k4]

Job's going no where right now Rain, snow, then rain, and oh look more snow this weekend.

Everything is still sitting in a cardboard box in the back of the car.

[old_master]

I'll glady trade your "partly sunny and 49 degrees" for my "cloudy, snow and 35 degrees" on top of the 12" we have on the ground right now. I'm so sick of this crap. Whatever those people are doing for global warming... I wish they'd stop and let it warm up a bit. They can start doing it again in June