Wheel Bearing - Press-In Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of press-in rear wheel bearings on a 1966 Corvette, including axle removal, bearing extraction, and installation of new pressed bearings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear axle seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification or RTV gasket maker

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake to front wheels only (rear will be disassembled).
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under rear frame rails.
5. Remove rear wheel on side requiring bearing replacement.
6. Place drain pan under differential cover.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain differential fluid
   Remove all differential cover bolts and carefully pry the cover away from the housing using a pry bar. Allow gear oil to drain completely into drain pan. Remove and discard old gasket material from both cover and housing mating surfaces using a scraper and wire brush.
2. 2

   Remove differential pinion shaft
   Locate the differential pinion shaft lock bolt at the rear of the differential carrier. Remove the lock bolt completely. Slide the pinion shaft out of the differential case toward the side opposite the bearing you are replacing. This will allow the C-clip to be accessed.
3. 3

   Remove axle shaft C-clip
   Push the axle shaft inward toward the center of the differential. The C-clip retaining groove will become visible inside the differential case. Use a magnetic pick or small screwdriver to remove the C-clip from the axle shaft groove. Keep the C-clip in a safe location for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove axle shaft
   Carefully pull the axle shaft straight out of the axle housing. The shaft should slide out once the C-clip is removed. Be prepared to catch any residual gear oil. Inspect the axle shaft splines and bearing journal for wear, scoring, or damage.
5. 5

   Remove axle bearing seal
   Using a seal puller, slide hammer with hook attachment, or pry bar, carefully remove the old axle seal from the axle housing bore. Work around the seal circumference to avoid damaging the housing bore. Clean the seal bore thoroughly with shop towels.
6. 6

   Extract wheel bearing from housing
   Insert a bearing puller or slide hammer with internal bearing puller attachment into the axle housing. Engage the puller jaws or collet behind the bearing inner race. Apply steady pulling force to extract the bearing from the housing. The bearing is press-fit and will require significant force. If using a slide hammer, use firm, controlled strokes until bearing releases.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect axle housing bore
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore inside the axle housing using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all old grease, debris, and corrosion. Inspect the bore for scoring, cracks, or damage that would prevent proper bearing seating. The bore must be clean and smooth for the new bearing to press in properly.
8. 8

   Press new bearing into housing
   Position the new wheel bearing at the axle housing bore opening with the bearing seal face toward the outside (toward the brake backing plate). Using a hydraulic press and appropriate bearing driver that contacts only the outer race, carefully press the bearing into the housing bore until it seats firmly against the housing shoulder. Ensure the bearing remains square to the bore during pressing. Do not press on the inner race or bearing cage.
9. 9

   Install new axle seal
   Coat the outer diameter of the new axle seal with a thin film of gear oil. Position the seal at the housing bore with the seal lip facing inward (toward the differential). Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts the outer edge of the seal, drive the seal squarely into the bore until it seats flush with the housing end or slightly recessed per specifications.
10. 10

    Reinstall axle shaft
    Lightly coat the axle shaft bearing journal with gear oil. Carefully insert the axle shaft into the housing, threading it through the new seal and bearing. Align the axle shaft splines with the differential side gear and push the shaft fully inward until the splines fully engage.
11. 11

    Install C-clip and pinion shaft
    Push the axle shaft inward toward the differential center to expose the C-clip groove. Install the C-clip into the axle shaft groove, ensuring it is fully seated. Pull the axle shaft outward to verify the C-clip is engaged and the shaft is retained. Slide the differential pinion shaft back through the differential case until it aligns with the lock bolt hole. Install and tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt.
12. 12

    Install differential cover and refill
    Clean both mating surfaces and install a new differential cover gasket or apply RTV gasket maker per manufacturer instructions. Install the differential cover and tighten all cover bolts in a crisscross pattern. Remove the differential fill plug from the side of the housing. Fill the differential with the manufacturer-specified hypoid gear oil (verify viscosity/spec; add limited-slip / Positraction additive if equipped) to the correct level at the fill plug hole. Reinstall fill plug.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a crisscross pattern where multiple bolts are used.
2. Verify differential fluid level is correct at the fill plug before test driving.
3. Check for any fluid leaks around the differential cover and axle seal after initial test drive.

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to verify smooth bearing operation with no binding or rough spots.
• Check for any axle end play by grasping the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and attempting to move it in and out. There should be minimal to no detectable play.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noise, vibration, or grinding from the rear axle.
• After test drive, inspect axle seal area for any signs of gear oil leakage.
• Recheck differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.

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