Axle bearings questions

[coupster]

I pulled the axles to exchange the third member. This rear has been in the car for about 9 months. No problems with it, just changing the gear ratio with another pumpkin that is set up with 3.0o gears. The bearings on the axles were really stuck in the axle tube, but after alot of banging w/ slide hammer, the axles came out. The bearings had alot of rust around them, causing them to be stuck in there really well. When I spin the bearings, the spin quite a bit, and sound "dry" when they spin. Do I need to change these and the seals? I didn't have any noise coming from the rear prior to pulling it apart. I don't want to spend $ if not needed, but then again, I am here and have them out. What does everyone think?

 

[jims6t6]

With rust and sounding dry, I would replace them.

 

[Horseplay]

Replace them. Not a lot of money to have peace of mind.

 

[Ponyman66]

Agree with the others. If they're not too bad yet, they will be. Two words.....preventative maintenance. It's easier and more time effective to do them now while it's pulled apart then having to pull them out again later just to replace them.

One other thought, why risk the bearings making noise after a diff swap and drowning out or confusing any potential noise the new diff might make. Sure makes trouble shooting easier!

 

[coupster]

that's what I thought. I just needed to confirm. New bearings and seals and off to the machine shop. Thanks!

 

[cmayna]

Isn't the slide hammer a fun tool?

 

[B67FSTB]

Replace them. Rust is never a good sign.