Bearings and Universals
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
Bearings and Universals
Well my odometer just passed 100k and a rear axle universal went today. Might as well do all four u-joints on both drive axles and bearings as well. There was a Tech tip by Scorp but it doesn't seem to come up anymore, anybody know why? I need some info on this. Who has best price on bearings? Autozone?? Pepboys ?? Quality??Must I buy the whole hub unit or is the bearing available separately? I would like to get universals with zerk fittings, anybody have opinions about this? The manual pictures a seal at the knuckle, must that be replaced, it seems to be just a dust seal? Lotta questions, but I don't have the luxory of indoor work area and weather is supposed to be good for next couple of days.
thanks in advance
Barrier :confused: :confused:
thanks in advance
Barrier :confused: :confused:
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 681
From: Marlboro country MA
Re: Bearings and Universals (Barrier)
I did a u-joint last Sunday, following Scorp's directions. He has them on his web site, which is linked to on his signature line.
I printed out the whole set of directions, using B/W rather than color to save ink. It worked just fine. Good luck.
I printed out the whole set of directions, using B/W rather than color to save ink. It worked just fine. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: Bearings and Universals (Barrier)
My weekend project this weekend was to replace the axle U joints. I bought mine at Autozone for $12.95 for the lifetime sealed units. The ones with a zerk fitting were $7.95 each. It went pretty much as the Haynes manual said. The trick was the bolts on the U joint saddles. I used a 1/4" drive 5/16" socket with a 1/4" drive extension and a 3/8" drive ratchet with an adapter to 1/4" drive. The ones on the rear end are easy if you get them from the top. On the wheel end, I found about 7-8 o'clock to be the best position to get them out. It was actually pretty easy. To get the U-joints out, I used a hammer and a couple of real large sockets. They went back in with a hammer. It sure sound better without all of that clanging. I suppose I will have to try the drive shaft next. Good luck. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw TX
Re: Bearings and Universals (Barrier)
Bearings only available as hub unit. Where to get them??? I tried Ecklers and got some real inferior looking things and sent them back. Got he one's I installed at a Corvette place in Dallas. Can't remember about the seal, sorry. You will need a 36 mm socket for the big spindle nut on the outside. On 86 torque for that sucker is 166 ftlbs.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
Re: Bearings and Universals (scorp508)
Thanks to everyone! Got the Brute Force at Autozone, only 3 month guaranty. The original, sealed units lasted 100k and 15 years so I guess it will be fine. I'm going to order bearings from Contemporary Corvette, mentioned in an older post. Supposed to be GM without the box.BTW Scorp your tech writeup and photos really helped.
This site is great!! :) :) :)
This site is great!! :) :) :)
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