Rear wheel bearings - how hard 1 - 10

[Eighty8LX50]

Whats up all, I need to change out my rear wheel bearings due to a metallic bearing noise from the driver side rear end. 1 - 10 how hard are thay to repair and change out? I have never done it before, But I have done about every thing else on a mustang.

 

[Mean88]

It isnt that hard, just takes some patience. If you have the right puller tool it aint bad. I use a long bar to pound them out. I take the bar and stick it in one side of the housing past the center to the other bearing on the other side, then I just pound it till it comes out.
Ted

 

[87'GTstang]

Dang I can't believe i've never heard of this, are there seriously wheel bearings on a solid axle??? Or are you talking of something else?

 

[cmozez]

The hardest part is getting the old bearings out. I'd say a 6 just because of that. Mean88 has the right idea if you cant find an inner bearing puller..Your axels may have grooves in them where the old bearing has been riding, most likely they do. They make a special offset bearing just for this because it is such a problem. So don't freak out when you pull them and see this. If you need any help, just post here again and we'll be glad to help.

 

[10HoleLX]

RENT a bearing puller and intaller at your local parts store (try Auto Zone)

Pull diff cover 13mm bolts
to drain fluid
remove carrier bolt 5/16 or 8mm bolt (whichever fits best) and
slide carrier pin out
Push axles toward center of carrier to expose the c clips
remove c clips with a magnets or push them off the axle with a screw driver
pull axles out to access the axle seal
pull out seal to access the bearing
pull bearing out
reverse order...
Note: Take a mental note on how far the old bearing is into the axle that way you know when the bearing is properly seated in the axle

This job can become a nightmare if:
1.You round off the head of the 5/16 or 8mm bolt that holds the carrier pin.
I've found it best to use a 5/16 boxed wrench to remove it
2. When you remove the axle you find that the surface where the bearing rides on is pitted (now you need new axles)
3.After removing the bearing and axle you find that everything is ok and its the carrier bearing that are making the noise