'54 Rear Wheel Bearing Repack Oddities

Posted by Don Shields On 2013/10/18 20:45:20

In performing my first rear wheel bearing repack on my 1954 Convertible, I've encountered some oddities that I'd like to get advice & opinions on. The first oddity is that there is no discernable end play in either shaft. The second oddity is that there are no shims on either end of the axle tube. This led me to believe that the bearings might be damaged, although I was not hearing any noises or feeling anything that would suggest bad wheel bearings. Surprisingly, there is no visible damage to the right rear (haven't pulled the left side yet) rollers, cage, or outer race. I'm wondering if end play and shims are really that important.

Another oddity is the orientation of the inner seal. The old seal has the tapered end of the rubber "doughnut' facing inwards towards the differential. The new seal has a rather large groove in the face that I would have to drive if I orient the new seal the same way. This doesn't make sense to me; I think the drift should go against the broad flat face of the seal. So I'm wondering if the old seal is insalled incorrectly.

I could also use some advice on how to remove the inner seals as I have no puller for that, and also if there are any tricks of the trade to reinstall the bearing cup or outer race. It looks like a mighty tight fit. Thanks.