Re: [ihc] RE: Braking the Codge-man

[bearbvd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Greg Hermann)]

At 1:45 PM 7/23/04, Jim Grammer wrote:
>>Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 10:01:05 -0700
>>From: "Roger L. Waggener Sr." <crusty@domain.elided>
>>Subject: [ihc] Oh Oh

I'll say it again, Jim--I prefer the Link Belt straight roller rear wheel
bearings---

Greg
>
>>While doing a rear brake job on our 79 Scout I noticed that the driver's
>>side axle has between 1/16 and 1/8 inch end play. Other side none and no
>>vertical play at all on either side.  Differentials are NOT my thing. Do
>>I have a likely problem on the horizon?
>
>Roger, you have arrived at the age-old 'semi-floating rear axle dilemma'.
>The axle is free to slide in the diff side gears, so this is strictly a
>wheel bearing issue(assuming that the bearing retainer plate is tight and
>undamaged. On the one hand, things might be fine. 1/16" end play isn't
>terribly unusual for a worn-in wheel bearing. On the other hand, the
>consequences of having a wheel bearing failure can involve the rear wheel
>and axle shaft passing you on the highway, with the axle housing scraping
>merrily down the road.
>
>The important thing is to *know* for sure that there's a Timken Set10(only!)
>bearing on each axle shaft, and that it's getting lubed(grease if using the
>axle inner seal, oil from the diff if not. AZ carries the Timken's, they are
>$20 each and come with the retaining collar(holds the bearing on the axle).
>I and others prefer the CR outer seals for this application, CSK carries
>those for about $9 each IIRC. If there is any question about the sealing
>surface on the axle, a Speedi-sleeve(AKA ready sleeve in NAPA parlance) is
>available to press on the axle and provide a fresh seal surface.
>
>With the axle shafts out, you need to clean the axle tubes out. A big washer
>welded to a rod works good. Gotta change the diff fluid as well, which is a
>perfect time to change the diff cover to one with a higher fill plug. SII's
>have about the lowest fill plug location out there for a D44. Even a run of
>the mill GM or Dodge cover will let you fill the diff more(good for the
>bearings), A Ford Bronco high pinion front 44 has a *real* high plug, just
>don't be tempted to fill it all the way, or the axle tubes will be full of
>juice. I went higher than I prolly should have in mine, and the seal leaked
>even though the  axle was nice and smooth.
>
>>Also I might add - AutoZone
>>messed up a drum that was almost on the limit anyway - they cut a 3/8
>>wide groove about .015 deep- how hard are drums to come by.  I used it
>>anyway but it's questionable.
>
>Drums are readily available. I'd prolly say something like 'so when will my
>free replacement be here' with a smile, then dicker for wholesale so they
>can make good on the mistake.
>
>>It'll soon be time for rotors- they quoted me $50 and change. Is that
>>good / bad or just ugly?  Mine are warped and missing a stud on each. I
>>haven't measured them ( major lack of a mic) but expect there're about
>>to the limit also.
>
>Not a bad price.
>
>Jim