Axle Bearing: Service and Repair

AXLE BEARINGS/SEALS

REMOVAL
1. Remove rear axle shaft.





2. With a punch and hammer straighten locking ring (Fig. 7).





3. Loosen bearing nut with Wrench 9279 (Fig. 8).

NOTE: Bearing nut with groove on left rear axle shaft has a left hand thread. Bearing nut without groove on right rear axle shaft has a right hand thread. To dismantling insert two wheel mounting bolts into the axle shaft and clamp in a vise.





4. Remove bearing nut and locking ring from axle shaft (Fig. 9).





5. Push Plate 9277 between bearing cover and rear axle shaft (Fig. 10).
6. Place axle shaft with plate in a press.





7. Press axle shaft through the bearing cover and tapered roller bearings (Fig. 11).





8. Remove tapered roller bearing, sealing ring, dust shield and bearing cap from axle shaft (Fig. 12).
9. Drive shaft seal out of bearing cover with a hammer and drift.

INSTALLATION
1. Clean sealing surface of bearing cap.





2. Drive axle shaft seal into bearing cover using Installer 9278 (Fig. 13).

NOTE: Install flush to a max. 3 mm (0.12 inch) deep inside the bearing cover.

3. Check roller bearing, replace according to condition.

NOTE: Thoroughly grease roller bearings prior to installation.

4. Install bearing cover with axle shaft seal, new gasket and dust shield on the axle shaft.





5. Install tapered roller bearings and race on the axle shaft (Fig. 14).
6. Install new locking ring on axle shaft.






NOTE: The flat side of the locking ring must point towards the nut (Fig. 15). The locking ring is fitted to ensure that the pressing is done over the inner bearing race only. The flat on the locking ring must be aligned with the flat on the axle shaft otherwise the axle shaft will be damaged.





7. Place axle shaft through the hole in Plate 9277 and position the assembly in a press (Fig. 16).
8. Press tapered roller bearing onto rear axle shaft as far as the stop.

CAUTION: In order to avoid damaging the bearing, the outer race must be turned while pressing on.

9. Screw on bearing nut and tighten nut with Wrench 9279 to 500 Nm (369 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: Bearing nut with groove on left rear axle shaft has a left hand thread. Bearing nut without groove on right rear axle shaft has a right hand thread.





10. Bend locking ring with a hammer and punch at both grooves in the bearing nut (Fig. 17).

NOTE: The grooved nut must be locked in both directions of rotation.

11. Install sealing ring onto roller bearing race (Fig. 17).
12. Install rear axle shaft.