E-brake problem

[Michael W.]

Re: E-brake problem

If the maintenance history of the rear bearing is not known, a precautionary disassembly for inspection is always a good idea. Bearings can go from 'a little' play to 'hey look, somebody lost a wheel' in relatively short order.

[Joe L.]

Re: E-brake problem

Joe, I completely understand what you are saying, I'm familiar with the "feel" of worn bearings. Using this methiong should I be assuming that the half shafts shoyuld be removed? My thought is that they will have some resistance to the rocking because they are connected. Thats the reason I asked for an alternate method of checking, I din't really want to remove the shafts but will if I have to. Call me lazy. Thanks!!

Lynn-----


You should be able to generally check the bearing condition without removing the half shafts. However, I would raise the suspension so that the half-shaft is nearly at its normal, on-road position. Otherwise, with the suspension just "hanging" and the half shaft at an extreme angle, you'll introduce other factors that are better off not introduced when checking the bearings.

However, I also agree with Mike. If the rear bearings have an uncertain maintenance or time-in-service history, you might be better off just disassembling them and rebuilding them (or, having someone else do it). Checking the bearings using the method previously described is pretty much just going to tell you if you're on the edge of disaster. It's a good thing to do, of course, because if you are on the edge of disaster you want to know about it. But, such checking should not give you any long-term confidence that all is well.