May 4, 2012 12:00 am

Live-Axle Wheel Bearings

Andrew Markel,Director of Content, Brake & Front End Magazine

Andrew Markel is the editor of Brake & Front End magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 15 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and aftermarket manufacturers. He can be reached at [email protected]

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In 1963, almost every car manufactured in the U.S. had a solid rear axle. There were exceptions like the Corvette and Corvair. Today, many light- to medium-duty trucks still use live rear axles.

While the design differentials have changed, the ends of the axles have not. The improvements in have been made in the materials in the bearing, seals and grease. It is not uncommon for a vehicle to go its entire life on one set of bearings. But, failures due to impacts with curbs and loss of lubrication are not uncommon.

This article from the July, 1963 issue of BRAKE & FRONT END is one of the most complete articles on the subject, but it does need a few updates.

One item not discussed in this article is ABS tone rings. ABS or anti-skid was more than a decade away. On some modern vehicles, the tone ring is the bearing retainer or in the differential housing. Before the tone ring is replaced, make sure there are no missing teeth and it is placed on the correct part of the shaft.