Something I learned today, Need advice.

slantsixdan said
Mmmnope, don't believe so. I've been driving early A-bodies with 7#&188;" rear axles for twenty years, and this is the first mention I've seen of any such a thing. The inner and outer rear axle bearings are lubed by the rear axle oil, not packed with grease.

I'm also not seeing anything in your post that has me convinced your noise is caused by a wheel bearing.

Relatively speaking, sure, compared to larger rear axle assemblies, but the 7#&188;" is plenty adequate for many stock or quasi-stock slant-6 and mild V8 applications.

Rear axle interchangeability on A-bodies is a great deal wider than '66-'72.

Quickly get hold of the three books described in this thread before proceeding with any other spending or any repairs.

Looks like you are correct again dan :-D:cheers: I have the car in the air now and will do a test with the hubs off, But it looks like my seals are bad so I may as well put new seals and outer bearings in, But I will check on the inner bearing I did not know about.

cudamark said
Actually, your rear axle bearings are sealed. They don't receive any oil from the rear end (unless the axle seal leaks!) and, for all intents and purposes, are not repackable. If the bearing is making noise, it's bad, and repacking it won't repair it. the first thing you need to do is verify that it's the bearing(s) that are making the noise. I'd get the car securely up in the air, pull the rear drums, fire it up, put it in high gear and listen for noises. A stethoscope (sp?) works the best but a wooden dowel will work also. Just be carefull with all the spinning shafts so you don't get hurt. If it's only noisy with the drums and wheels on it, it's not likely there is a bearing problem. If it's making noise with drums and wheels off, try to isolate where the noise is coming from by moving the stethoscope around to various spots on the axle housing. When you find the loudest area, the closest bearing is usually the culprit. Take your time, don't rush to judgement, rear end noises can telegraph around. Sometimes it's only a subtle difference in noise from bearing to bearing.
Repair is relatively easy. The kit shown above it is a good way to go so you have all the parts you need. If you don't have a press, get one or hire a machine shop to do it for you. Other than that, and a slide hammer, you really don't need any special tools. If you choose to take the old bearings and lock rings off yourself, be carefull you don't damage the seal surface on the axle shaft. If you gouge that area it will never seal again and you'll need to get another axle shaft.

I thank you for your input cudamark :happy10:
I will do that test before I pull the axles out. :happy10::happy10:

slantsixdan said
Oh yeah, that's what I meant. What he said! :lol:

Yea, They said they are sealed bearings when I called my NAPA man Dan , Thank you so much once again :happy10:

Here is where I am at know for today, it quit raining and the sun popped out:happy10:
So I backed her out far enough to pull the axles 8)
Up on jake stands and scotched front and rear on the front tires Safety first.