Bearings

INSPECT
^ Bearing visually and by feel.
^ The bearings should feel smooth when oiled and rotated while applying as much hand pressure as possible.
^ The large end of the bearing rollers for wear. This is where tapered roller bearing wear is most evident.
^ Bearing cups for wear, cracks, brinelling, and scoring.
^ When replacing worn or cracked bearings and cups, be sure to replace them in sets.
^ If the axle was operated for an extended period of time with loose bearings, the ring gear and drive pinion will also require replacement.
^ Bearing caps for cracks or chips.

IMPORTANT: Low mileage bearings may have very small scratches and pits on the rollers and the bearing cups from the initial preload. Do not replace a bearing for this reason.