How do you change the wheel bearings in a 1997 Chevy 10 bolt posi rear end?

Answer 1

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND/OR HUB

• Tools Required:
• J 2619-01 Slide Hammer with Adapter
• J 23689 Axle Shaft Bearing Remover (large shaft)
• J 29712 Axle Shaft Bearing Remover (9 1/2 inch ring gear)
• J 8092 Driver Handle
• J 21128 Axle Shaft and Pinion Oil Seal Installer
• J 23690 Axle Shaft Bearing Installer
• J 29709 Axle Shaft Bearing Installer (9 1/2 inch ring gear)
• J 29713 Axle Shaft Seal Installer (9 1/2 inch ring gear)

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

• Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

1. Wheel and tire assembly.
2. Brake drum.

• Clean the dirt from around the carrier cover.

1. Carrier cover.

• Catch the oil in a drain pan.
• Remove gasket material if used.

1. Screw (A).

1. Pinion shaft (B).

• Remove the shaft from the case on vehicles without a locking differential.

• With a locking differential, remove the shaft (B) part way, and rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.
• Use a screwdriver or similar tool to enter the case and rotate the lock until it aligns with the thrust block.

1. Lock.

• Push the flange of the axle shaft towards the differential. Do not force or hammer the shaft to move the axle shaft.
• Remove the lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

1. Axle shaft.

• Slide the axle shaft out, being careful not to damage the seal.

1. Seal using J 23689.
2. Bearing.

1. Use J 23689 for 8 1/2 and 8 5/8 inch ring gear axles or J 29712 for 9 1/2 inch ring gear to pull the bearing from the axle.

1. Insert the tool into the axle bore so that it grasps behind the bearing. Tighten the nut and washer against the face of the bearing. Pull the bearing out using J 2619-01.

Inspect

• All parts. Replace as necessary.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you Install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

• Lubricate the axle cavity between the seal lips and the bearing with wheel bearing lubricant.

1. Bearing.

• Use J 23690 for the 8 1/2 and 8 5/8 inch gear axle and J 29709 for the 9 1/2 inch ring gear axle.

1. Seal.

• Bearing into the axle housing until the tool bottoms against the tube.
• Use J 21128 for 8 1/2 and 8 5/8 inch ring gear axle and J 29713 for the 9 1/2 inch ring gear axle.

• Drive the tool into the bore until the seal bottoms flush with the end of the tube.

1. Axle shaft.

• Be careful not to damage the seal when inserting the axle shaft.
• Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear (F).

1. Lock.

• Without locking differential:

1. Place the lock on the button end of the axle shaft, then pull the shaft flange outward to seat the lock in the differential side gear.

• With locking differential:

1. Keep the pinion shaft partially withdrawn.
2. Place the lock in the position shown. Pull the shaft flange outward to seat the lock in the differential side gear.

1. Pinion shaft.

• Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the screw hole in the differential case.

Important: Anytime a differential pinion shaft locking screw is removed, it is important to coat the screw threads with Loctite 242 before reinstalling. These screws are coated with an adhesive which helps to prevent the screw from loosening in the case. When this screw is removed, the adhesive is also removed.

1. Screw (A).

• Tighten screw to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.) .

1. Carrier cover gasket or RTV (if used).
2. Carrier cover.
3. Bolts and clip.

• Bolts in a crosswise pattern to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).

1. Brake drum.
2. Wheel and tire assembly.

• Lower the vehicle.

1. Axle lubricant. Fill to the filler plug hole level.