1955-64 Rear Axle Bearing Installation - Eckler's Classic Chevy

y Randy Irwin1955-64 REAR AXLE BEARING INSTALLATION03-32Randy Irwin - Technical WriterRandy has been involved in the Chevyparts business for over 25 years. He is a wizardat creating, making and modifying customparts for Chevys.The rear axle bearings that are used on a 1955 to 1964 are a “presson”style ball bearing. The bearing supports the axle in the rear endhousing and also serves as the seal and axle retainer. An O-ring aroundthe outside of the bearing seals to the rear end housing, while a lip seal islocated on the outside face of the bearing that keeps rear end lube insidethe housing. When an axle bearing starts to leak (usually because thebearing cage is disintegrating) the rear end lube will ruin the rear brakeshoes. If the bearing becomes loose, it will start to roar and possibly ruinthe axle and/or rear end housing. In this article we will show the properway to remove and install new rear axle bearings.Photo 2: To remove the axlebearing, the retaining ringmust be removed first. Theretaining ring is made out offairly soft material. Place theaxle in a vice. Using a sharpchisel and hammer, split theretaining ring.3aPhoto 1: Remove the rear wheels,brake drums and loosen the fournuts that secure the axle retainingplate to the rear end. Using anaxle puller, remove the axlesfrom the rear end housing. Theaxle bearing is pressed onto theaxle and is held in place with apressed-on retaining ring.3b21-24Parts List:21-23 1955-56 Axle Bearing21-24 1957 Axle Bearing521012 1958-64 Axle Bearing03-32 1955-57 Axle Flange Gaskets563026 1958-64 Axle Flange GasketsTo order parts call 1-800-456-1957 or visit ClassicChevy.comTo order parts call 1-800-683-1961 or visit LateGreatChevy.comTools Needed:Hammer & ChiselHydraulic Press9/16" WrenchAxle Puller521012Time Frame:2 hours21-23Photos 3a & 3b: The axlebearing cover has four studs thathold the axle to the rear endhousing. These must be removed to allow the bearing to bepressed off. Using a hammer, tap the studs out of the bearingcover.4a 4b 4cPhotos 4a, 4b & 4c: A hydraulic press mustbe used to remove the axle bearing. Beforeapplying any pressure to the bearing, wrap aheavy towel or rag over the bearing. If thebearing breaks while being pressed off, thetowel will retain any broken pieces and helpprevent any injury to you.

5a 5b 5cPhotos 5a, 5b & 5c: The axle bearing cover has a gasket P/N 03-32 or 563206 that keeps the brake dust away from the axlebearing. These gaskets should always be replaced. We cleanedour bearing cover and painted it chassis black.6a6bPhotos 6a & 6b: The newbearing P/N 21-24 has agrease seal on one side ofthe bearing and is open onthe other side. This type ofbearing will be lubricated by the rear end lube. Some manufacturerssupply a replacement bearing that has a seal on one sideand a shield on the other. This means the bearing is permanentlysealed and will not use the rear end lube as the lubricant. If thebearing is permanently sealed, the sealed side will go to theoutside of the axle housing and the shielded side will go to theinside of the axle housing.Photo 9: The gaskets used onthe axle bearing cover keepany brake dust from getting tothe axle bearing and damagingthe bearing or seal. This sealdoes not retain rear end lube.10aPhoto 8: To install the axleretaining plate studs, simply stackup about seven or eight washers onthe stud and using the backingplate nuts pull the studs into place.10b7a 7b 7cPhotos 7a, 7b & 7c: Using a hydraulicpress, install the new axle bearing andbearing retainer making sure to press the bearing and retainer onuntil they will go no further.Photos 10a & 10b: Beforeinstalling the axle into therear end, lubricate the O-ring on the outside of the bearing with a light grease to help keepthe O-ring from being damaged.With new axle bearings, the rear end will be nice and quiet andwill not leak. New rear axle bearings are a must if you want anice, reliable classic for those long road trips!Good Luck!