View Full Version : Rear axle shot ... Got some questions
KILRSVT
09-27-2011, 08:36 PM
I for sure got a bad bearing and probably bent axles since the 03 axles are soft .... I want to do rear axles R&R and and install new axle bearings is this job a nightmare or is it straight forward .... Anyone ever done this in here thanks in advance guys?:beer:
Ktorres1
09-27-2011, 10:41 PM
Unless you know what your doing its a job for a pro at least to me it want simple to say the least.
RoyLPita
09-28-2011, 04:47 AM
I've seen it done. It is easier than setting a new ring and pinion.
fastblackmerc
09-28-2011, 04:52 AM
It is easier than setting a new ring and pinion.
Easy job to do.
Siege
09-28-2011, 05:13 AM
It's pretty easy. You can rent a bearing puller and slide hammer from Autozone for free and they are the only specialized tools needed. A bearing driver is nice but you can always use the old bearing to seat the new one.
While you're in there would be a good time to refresh the Trac-lok clutch pack with new clutches or upgrade it by adding extra clutches or switching to the Cobra carbon clutches.
Blackened300a
09-28-2011, 08:05 AM
We should probably make this a sticky on how to do this job. Its not all that bad if you have the right tools.
Remove the rear wheels
Remove the brake caliber and rotor.
Remove the 8mm bolt thats holding the ABS sensor in the back of the parking brake assembly
Remove the rear diff cover and drain fluid
Turn the diff around and remove the 7MM bolt on the top of the carrier thats holding in the center pin.
Remove the center pin.
DO NOT REMOVE THE "S" SPRING FOR A AXLE SWAP!
Turn the axle a bit to make sure it pushes all the way into the carrier.
You'll see the "C" Clip on the axle stub, use a magnet or needle nose pliers to remove then slide the axle out.
Head over to a autozone or a place that rents tools and pick up a bearing puller that attaches to the end of a slap hammer. Its the only tool that will remove the bearing and seal.
Slap them out and use a oversize socket to replace the bearing and seal.
Reverse the order and you are good to go.
Just be sure to use friction modifier when replacing the fluid unless you are using a fluid that already contains the additive like RP or Amsoil.
If you are planing on upgrading the clutches then the "S" spring must be removed as well as the spider gears. Reinstalling them will be much more difficult then replacing the axles. Also if you are replacing the axles, use heat to remove the ABS rings if your new axles don't have them included.
RF Overlord
09-28-2011, 12:16 PM
I did mine myself with the "borrowed" tools from VatoZone...wasn't as difficult as I imagined.
It is pretty simple as long as you have the tool to remove the old bearings as well as jack stands and basic hand tools. I'd put it at about a 3-4 hr job to do both sides for a DIY'er.
GreekGod
09-29-2011, 07:56 AM
...whatever anyone tells you, it comes with an additional warning...if you have a bearing failure and don't completely disassemble the housing and power wash it, you might need to re-do the job over when you have another bearing failure. It happened to me, and could happen to you too. If you are a gambler...roll the dice.
fastblackmerc
09-29-2011, 08:09 AM
...whatever anyone tells you, it comes with an additional warning...if you have a bearing failure and don't completely disassemble the housing and power wash it, you might need to re-do the job over when you have another bearing failure. It happened to me, and could happen to you too. If you are a gambler...roll the dice.
+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mrjones
09-29-2011, 09:09 AM
[QUOTE=RF Overlord;1095171 VatoZone.
That's funny!
I just did mine on the 04 that I just bought. It's not too bad of a job. Much easier if you have a lift (or if you're not old fat and lazy like me). As mentioned above you need the bearing removal tool. It's just a slide hammer with a thingy for the end to reach through and grab the back of the bearing. You can also get one cheap at Harbor Freight or Delegard
Chevyguy
09-29-2011, 10:14 AM
...whatever anyone tells you, it comes with an additional warning...if you have a bearing failure and don't completely disassemble the housing and power wash it, you might need to re-do the job over when you have another bearing failure. It happened to me, and could happen to you too. If you are a gambler...roll the dice.
+12121
My 2001 Vic was worn enough at 120K to have a visible notch on the axle. Cleaned it up and the entire carrier assy wore out about 50K later. Carrier bearings were shot such that the ring gear would slop back and forth almost 5mm!! At this point a full assy swap is the best bet.
Rent the bearing driver tool from Autozone too, works great driving the bearing and seal on the axle tube. Use your credit card as the slide hammer and bearing puller runs some $165 you get it back upon return though :beer:
KILRSVT
09-30-2011, 07:50 PM
it turns out the rear axle bearings were done before.....i let my old man drive it a while back and he tolod he had it done for $300 so at this point should I re do the rear bearings with new axles or should I have a proffesional gear shop take a look at it?? in a bind here...where can i find these axles???do crown vic axles work?
GreekGod
09-30-2011, 08:07 PM
it turns out the rear axle bearings were done before.....i let my old man drive it a while back and he tolod he had it done for $300 so at this point should I re do the rear bearings with new axles or should I have a proffesional gear shop take a look at it?? in a bind here...where can i find these axles???do crown vic axles work?
By "axles" (I assume) you are referring to right & left axle shafts? Until you do an inspection, you don't know what is wrong, and what needs to be done.
How do you know "for sure got a bad bearing"? ... and what makes you think you have "probably bent axles since the 03 axles are soft". Not all '03 axle shafts were "soft".
I have never heard of or seen a bent axle shaft. Axle shafts (generally) can twist, break, or wear out on the bearing wear surface. The axle tubes can get bent, making axle shaft removal & installation difficult.
KILRSVT
10-01-2011, 07:42 PM
Ok so until
I take it apart really can't tell what's wrong..When removing the axles if I don't see no notches or wear marks how could you know of the axles bent?
boatmangc
10-02-2011, 05:08 AM
Ok so until
I take it apart really can't tell what's wrong..When removing the axles if I don't see no notches or wear marks how could you know of the axles bent?
Parallel blocks and a dial indicator would be the most common way.
GreekGod
10-02-2011, 10:08 PM
Ok so until
I take it apart really can't tell what's wrong..When removing the axles if I don't see no notches or wear marks how could you know of the axles bent?
"I have never heard of or seen a bent axle shaft"
Simply put, axle shafts don't bend, or get bent.
"I have never heard of or seen a bent axle shaft"
Simply put, axle shafts don't bend, or get bent.
Yes they do and I've seen them. Slide around a corner and sideways into a curb at speed, or pretend you're one of the Dukes and go around jumping your car and you can tweak one enough that bearings will never last for long on that shaft again. Under normal use though, you are correct that it just doesn't happen.
GreekGod
10-02-2011, 10:47 PM
Yes they do and I've seen them. Slide around a corner and sideways into a curb at speed, or pretend you're one of the Dukes and go around jumping your car and you can tweak one enough that bearings will never last for long on that shaft again. Under normal use though, you are correct that it just doesn't happen.
The shaft doesn't bend -- it is the shaft flange that bends when hit from the side.
==============
MOTOWN
10-02-2011, 10:48 PM
"I have never heard of or seen a bent axle shaft"
Simply put, axle shafts don't bend, or get bent.
Yes axles do bend, i bent one on my mustang when i fish tailed into a curb
fastblackmerc
10-03-2011, 03:17 AM
The shaft doesn't bend -- it is the shaft flange that bends when hit from the side.
==============
Yes axles do bend, i bent one on my mustang when i fish tailed into a curb
I've seen plenty bend... and break!
The shaft doesn't bend -- it is the shaft flange that bends when hit from the side.
==============
The flange IS part of the shaft, and it doesn't matter what part of the shaft gets bent it's scrap either way.
KILRSVT
10-21-2011, 03:30 PM
I thought I update my findings...I took it to a local gear shop the guy is real cool...I let him drive it and it turns out its the actual gear assembly is causing the noise the bearings need to be replaced pretty much the rear end rebuilt....im looking at 500 for the seals and all the bearings that includes labor....and if the gears are bad add 225 to that....ill let you guys know how it works out
MOTOWN
10-21-2011, 03:33 PM
Just an fyi if you end up needing gears they can be had for $150 (ford gears)
KILRSVT
10-21-2011, 08:53 PM
Really??? From ford racing?
MOTOWN
10-22-2011, 06:33 AM
Really??? From ford racing?
Yup ford racing gears!:banana2:
KILRSVT
11-05-2011, 08:30 AM
alright guys..here was the damage my pinion bearing failed causing the nasty grinding noise.....my right axle was pitted where the axle bearing was causing more noise and I had a broken tooth on my ring gear..rear end was inialated......so I had to get new gears a new axle and new clutch packs......total damaged parts and labor was $1,044.94 .....ouch! However the car is back and once again is a pleasure to drive and of course the posi works great! here is the list of parts and labor
rear end bearing kit-220
rear end gears-225
rear axle shaft-165
rear clutch packs-108
labor 310
and of course tax and stuff
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