Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

G'day Mates, I'm in need of some more expert advice. After reconditioning the front wheel cylinders and fitting new axle bearings to my '56 Patrician, I'm now in the process of reco'ing the rear wheel cylinders, and am wondering whether to tackle the rear axle bearings as well. From my reading of the manual, it seems that the bearings might have to be pressed off the axle for repacking and then pressed back on. Am I on the right tram here or is it possible the bearings fitted are sealed for life (he says hopefully)? I actually have a spare axle complete with bearing and the rollers (or balls?) are covered on both sides - unable to be repacked unless covers are removed, but I am reluctant to try and do this unless that's what I'm supposed to do. Cheers, John

The new-for-1956 rear axle by Dana uses permanently sealed rear axle bearings. Replace them when they get noisy, otherwise no action needed.

although it is a 1955 check out my project blog to see rear axle details for 55. don't know if it will help...but...here it is.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=653&start=0

The 1955 rear axle was still a Packard-built unit, entirely different than 1956. It requires removal of the shafts for repacking, at which time seals should also be replaced or at least inspected, and if the bearings are replaced the axle shaft end play may require adjustment (via shims). Sorry if I'm stating the obvious.

Thanks Owen, that's what I was hoping to hear and, given that they are not noisy, I'll leave well enough alone. Now that's under control, time to refit the rear brakes and bleed the system, not that I'm looking forward to that. She who must be obeyed will have to give me a hand, or foot, and follow my instructions. Even though we've been married for 45 years, there are still occasional communication problems. As someone once said, life wasn't meant to be easy! Cheers, John

Ah, my dear Rumpole, that is what plonk is for!

AAh, some fans of the barrister?, eh? I still enjoy replaying various scenes in my head. What a great program. And I also referred occasionaly to my wife as "she who must be obeyed."

Mine frequently holds my button whilst I choke it. Lol. Guess I got lucky. She loves to pick the gunk out of old parts and such. Then when I get to something like a carb rebuild, she'll self edit and scram.

And I'm with Owen. Leave them alone till they start clicking.

You can also gravity bleed the system. Partially fill a clear container with brake fluid. Attach a clear plastic hose from bleed screw and submerge other end in container. Open bleed screw and then have someone or yourself keep topping off master cylinder until there are no bubbles in the container. Close the bleed screw. Start with the furthest corner away from master cylinder.

Whether you need a helper depends on how fast you can plonk yourself under the car.

Why not replace the bearing now that you have the unit disassembled? Seems like an inexpensive and easy job at this time. Why wait for them to fail at sometime in the future when it may be most inconvenient? Do it now and have the peace of mind that one more potential problem has been addressed. If it was may car I would do it now.

(o {I} o)