I've got a 96 camaro and I basically haven't driven it in a month because the rear wheel bearings are making noise. I plan on taking it in to get these replaced in the coming weeks and I was just wondering if anyone has had theirs replaced lately. I'm just looking to get a feel on what the cost is going to be. I was looking around and have the feeling this is going to be somewhere in the 500$ range.

Anyway, I've never had this done before so Im just trying to gather info.

-George

 

Replacing your rear bearings is fairly simple and if you are mechanically inclined you might try to do it yourself and put the money towards something that you really want. If you aren't comfortable with doing it yourself, see if you can hook up with someone off the board to do it and it will save you a lot of money.

As far as answering your question you are close to about the total price for both sides which would be around $350. This of course depends on a few things, like the shop you take it to and also if your axles are chewed up from the bearings.

FYI....Look at the inside of your wheels and see if there is a lot black goo in there, if so then you are probably leaking 90 wt. and they might try to sell you new axles saying yours are too worn. If so then tell then to put a buddy bearing kit or axle saver kit on there. It will relocate the bearing a little farther out so that it rides on the good part of the axle instead of the worn part, thus stopping the leak and saving you money.

Anthony

 

I would check the brakes too. The rear axle bearings are lubricated by the rear axle lube. Rear axle bearing failure, IMHO, is rare. If you do a lot of hard cornering AutoX/road racing the front ones fail regularly.

 

Thanks for this info. It has been great. This will help me out a lot. I've actually thought about doing this myself but I have only done engine work before. I figured since I dont actually know too much about bearings I wouldnt chance just figuring out how to do it with a shop manual.

-george

 

It really isn't difficult to do. You would remove the wheels/ brakes and diff cover. Inside the diff there is a small bolt, remove that and then push out the pin. You will have to push it in, rotate the diff and pull it out the rest of the way. Once removed you can remove the c-clips by pusing in the axle and they should just drop out. Then pull out the axle. The bearing an seal is right at the end of the housing and you can just pull those out with a slide hammer or what ever you have laying around. Tap the new ones in with a hammer and put everything back on, and don't forget the limited slip additive.

Anthony

 

Pretty easy to replace rear wheel bearings.

A little addition to what Anthony wrote:

Removing and installing the C-clips is easier if you remove the ABS sensors. Allows the axle to be pushed in a little further.

I borrowed a slide hammer and bearing puller attachment from Autozone. Be sure to use the bearing puller and not a 2- or 3-finger puller. They (Autozone) require a deposit which is refunded when you return the tool. I assume other parts chains rent tools as well...

Hammer the new bearing and seal in with a socket that is almost the same dia as the bearing. Make sure they're seated all the way - the sound and feel will change when it's seated - hard to explain but you'll know it when it happens. You could use a bearing installer, but the socket works just as well.

Lube the rubber lip on the axle seal before installation.

Don't forget a new gasket for the rear diff cover.

 

Okay, I'm going to try this tomorrow. I've been reading through my shop manuals and you guys are very right. It doesnt seem too hard. I've got a quick question and I hope they dont sound too plainly obvious. Am I actually pulling the whole axel off to do this process? Or can the bearings be replaced with the axel still on the car and just lifted?

-George

 

you can do all of this while the axle is still under the car.

use jack stands!

 

That's the spirit!! It's not very hard at all, you just have to take your time the first time thru it. Your question is a little off center and I want to be sure you are confident and understand.

Your axle tubes and what not stay on the car. Do not remove your torque arm, lower control arms, shocks and etc. All those stay on the car and use can actually use those like dzmagnt suggested for a place to put your jack stands.

Your axles will come out. Those are what the c-clips hold in and what you will slide out to get access to replace the bearings. (In the axle tube, still on the car.)

I'm sure you know what you are talking about, but I just wanted to make sure. HTH and good luck with everything.

Anthony

 

The hardest part for me was getting the old bearings out. If you don't feel like improvising then definitely rent the puller & slide hammer from autozone, it will make things a lot easier.