Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (73 C3)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Bethalto Illinois
Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (73 C3)
I have a cyclical squeek coming from the left rear of my 73 coupe. I assumed it to be ujoints, as it appears that the original ones were in the car...I changed both on the left side and the squeek is still there...gosh darn it!!!!
He only other thing that goes around the is wheel bearings (the brakes and calipers were replaced six months ago). How hard of a job is it...removing the half-shaft was easier than on my C4...still a pain but not too bad.
Is there a way to regrease them or ????? HELP!!! THanks :seeya
He only other thing that goes around the is wheel bearings (the brakes and calipers were replaced six months ago). How hard of a job is it...removing the half-shaft was easier than on my C4...still a pain but not too bad.
Is there a way to regrease them or ????? HELP!!! THanks :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Gulf of America
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Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (zog)
Zog, there is a greasing tool that allows you to pump grease to the inner bearing. I had it done many years ago on one that was starting to make noise and the bearing still burned up on me. If the bearing is squeaking, it's probably time to take it apart and see what you've got especially if the history is unknown. Charles
[Modified by Mako72, 8:12 PM 5/18/2004]
[Modified by Mako72, 8:12 PM 5/18/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Plano TX
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (Mako72)
Could still be the brakes. Remove the brake pads and turn the wheels (axles) while on jack stands. If there's no noise it's the pads. The rear pads are pushed against the rotors at all times by little springs behind the brake pistons.
Safety Car
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From: St. Charles IL
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Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (zog)
You might want to check for run-out on your rotor. Turns out my car was tagged pretty hard on the left side rear, bent the spindle and caused the noise you are talking about. It was coming from the brake pads oscillating with the rotor run-out. You should not see more then about .005" of runout or there will be problems.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Bethalto Illinois
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (Big Fish)
Thaqnks for the replies...I pulled the brakes last night and the squeek is definitely in the rear bearing....how hard is this, what special tools are needed and should I take the car in for repairs...???????????????? :seeya
Instructor
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From: Baton Rouge LA
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (zog)
In my Chilton manual they mention repacking the wheel bearings every 20,000 miles or so. I just got my vette and wanted to grease them. How big of a job is it? I talked to a coworker and he said I'll need a special puller for the bearings. Any truth to this?
Melting Slicks
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Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (zog)
Zog, I rebuilt mine myself. But it is a lot of work. Yep some of the tools needed are micrometers, hyd press, dial indicator, bearing seperators etc. Another way to go is just remove both trailing arm assemblies and ship them to reputable outfits like Van Steel or Bairs. They completely redo everything and you bolt them back up. Bottom line is if the bearing is squeeking, don't drive it. Once the bearing welds itself to the axle shaft, the cost to repair goes up. Charles
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From: I can walk to MA
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (zog)
Sounds like you might be up for at least removing the bearing assembly
and shipping it to VanSteel or Bairs for rebuild. Not too expensive.
Check out this post for a similar reply:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=817574
Good Luck :seeya
ps - I'd leave the trailing arms bolted to the car ... unless you find that you need new bushings, too.
[Modified by NHvette, 9:56 AM 5/19/2004]
and shipping it to VanSteel or Bairs for rebuild. Not too expensive.
Check out this post for a similar reply:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=817574
Good Luck :seeya
ps - I'd leave the trailing arms bolted to the car ... unless you find that you need new bushings, too.
[Modified by NHvette, 9:56 AM 5/19/2004]
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Joined: May 2000
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From: Clearwater FL
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (NHvette)
The only thing bad about leaving the arm in the car is that you won't know if the arm is bent or not. If it is and you don't know it's bent, after you get your alignment done your tire will scuff going down the road.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Norcross GA
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (NHvette)
Sounds like you might be up for at least removing the bearing assembly and shipping it to VanSteel or Bairs for rebuild.
[Modified by NHvette, 9:56 AM 5/19/2004]
[Modified by NHvette, 9:56 AM 5/19/2004]
[Modified by Bobchad, 11:08 AM 5/19/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Gulf of America
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Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (Bobchad)
Bob, believe Van Steel for one returns them with the optimum .001 clearance. :yesnod: Charles
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From: Toronto
Re: Rear Wheel Bearings - Help (Bobchad)
Before you start tearing things out try this 1st. power wash the rear end make sure you get all the crud and rust out. Next let it dry out then spray all moving parts with a good oil spray let that soak in for a few hours and then repeat. Now you can do a proper diagnoses. If you cannot locate the area that is producing the noise then I suggest to take it to a good rear end shop and let them diagnose the problem and at that point you can make a decision. I will say this do not touch the rear end unless you know what you are doing in most cases the rear end is more complex to set-up then rebuilding an engine. Some times it's wise and cheaper to let a pro do it.
