Q: How do you replace the rear axleshaft and Wheel Bearing?
A: Remove the axleshaft and the oil seal. A bearing puller which grips the bearing from behind will be required for this job, typically a slide hammer and axleshaft bearing remover attachment. Extract the bearing from the axle housing. Clean out the bearing recess and drive in the new bearing with a bearing driver. Make sure the bearing is tapped in to the full depth of the recess. Install a new oil seal then install the axleshaft.
Q: How to remove and install rear Wheel Bearing and Wheel Seal?
A: To remove the 10.5-inch and 11.5-inch ring gear axles, start by removing the axleshaft. Then, remove the retaining ring and key from the end of the axle housing. Use a special socket to remove the hub nut and pull the hub and Wheel Bearing assembly off the axle tube. Remove and discard the oil seal from the back of the hub. To further disassemble the hub, use a hammer and a long bar or drift punch to knock out the inner bearing, cup, and Wheel Seal. Remove the outer retaining ring and knock the outer bearing and cup from the hub. To install the axles, clean the old sealing compound from the seal bore in the hub and clean the bearings, hub, and axle tube with solvent. Inspect the bearings, axle tube flange, studs, hub splines, and bearing cups for damage and replace any worn or damaged components. Lubricate the bearings, races, and axle tube contact areas with wheel bearing grease and reassemble the hub. Make sure the axle housing oil deflector is in position and place the hub assembly on the axle tube without damaging the oil seals. Install the hub nut and adjust the bearings. Rotate the hub to ensure it turns freely and tighten the hub nut to 22 ft-lbs. Back the nut off 1/4-turn and tighten it hand-tight. Align the closest slot in the nut with the keyway in the spindle and install the key. Install the retaining ring and check for any play in the hub assembly. If necessary, repeat the adjustment procedure and then install the axleshaft. For the 12.8-inch ring gear (302RBI) axles, start by removing the axleshaft and the hub nut using a special socket. Remove the hub and brake disc assembly, being careful not to drop it. Remove the outer bearing and drive out the oil seal using a hammer and a long punch or a seal removal tool. Remove the inner bearing and drive out the bearing races using a hammer and a brass drift. Service and install the bearings. Carefully install the hub and rotor assembly, making sure to avoid damaging the seal. Install the hub nut with its attached washer, lining up the washer's tab with the groove in the housing. Use the special socket and a torque wrench to tighten the nut to the specified torque.