52 Rear Axle Bearing

[RalphG]

That loose rear axle bearing on the 52 Merc might be more than just the bearing. It actually did not seem too bad once off the car so I'm wondering now if there is actually some wear in the housing where the bearing sits. I'll have to do a test fit with the new bearing to find out. Hopefully tomorrow. The car was working fine, just noticed a little up and down play on the rear wheel when I jacked it up to remove the wheel.

 

[WABOOM]

Sorry to hear. I have some movement on my rear wheel on my '51. I have the bearing kit. I'm planning on doing it next month. Hopefully it is just the bearing.

 

[Frank Miller]

I had my axles out to replace the third member gasket. I did not notice any up and down movement on the bearing but there was excessive side play. I found Timkin bearings at Rock Auto. They're about 51 dollars each but NAPA has them for 155. I'm not sure why they are so expensive.

 

[flatford8]

I did the bearings, seals and gaskets on my ‘51. I also have noticed some prices at my local NAPA are just crazy high.... I don’t know the reason either.....Mark

 

[RalphG]

I had my axles out to replace the third member gasket. I did not notice any up and down movement on the bearing but there was excessive side play. I found Timkin bearings at Rock Auto. They're about 51 dollars each but NAPA has them for 155. I'm not sure why they are so expensive.

I got my new axle bearing, spacer and seal from C&G EArly Ford parts. Unfortunately it was a couple of years ago and I don't recall the price. Got the new bearing and spacer pressed on in town yesterday and only had time for a quick test fit on the car when I got home. It still has a bit of up and down play even with the new bearing so I guess it is the housing. Looks like another job for J.B.Weld!

 

[flatford8]

Did you test fit the new bearing in the housing after you pulled the axle? Before you swapped it on to the axle...... Mark

 

[RalphG]

Did you test fit the new bearing in the housing after you pulled the axle? Before you swapped it on to the axle...... Mark

No, I probably should have but did not. Assumed that C&G Ford Parts would send the right one. I'm sure this is just wear from some past incident. Maybe ran it with a seized bearing for a few miles.

 

[TJ]

Dimple the housing where the bearing goes with a center punch. Dimple at 12 o'clock, 3, 6 and 9. That should tighten it up.

 

[RalphG]

Dimple the housing where the bearing goes with a center punch. Dimple at 12 o'clock, 3, 6 and 9. That should tighten it up.

Thanks, I've considered that option. Have used it in the past to help hold a bearing that was a little loose on a shaft. I've actually got some of that J.B. Weld product called Steel Stick . A two part epoxy that is supposed to harden almost as strong as steel. Just waiting for a little warmer day to try it.

 

[STEVE O]

Not to Hijack the thread but back when our state inspection here was every 6 months I had a couple old F100s that when I pulled the front drums/hubs to check the brakes the front hubs were worn where the races sit. I would dimple the area to tighten the race. In 6 months time the hard race had the dimples smoothed out and loose again. I know on the rear it would give more movement for the seal to hold but the strange thing I have never seen it real cause a problem other than just to worry us!