AXLE BEARING and RETAINER QUESTIONS

[Dave the Wave]

just bought axle bearings for a `55 rear, NATIONAL is the company. 507 was the number. seems like both sides of the bearing is sealed. i just put in a set on my `57, BCA company, 307 was the number, only one side was sealed. is this right? and are the `55`s and `56`s retainers different than a `57? thanx!

[Histoy56]

Your bearing should have a seal on one side that has a spring around it to put tension on the sealing surface. That should face the differential when it's installed. The retaining ring should also have been placed on that side in the package to show the way it's mounted on the axle. I just had to replace both rear axle bearings on my '56, because they were leaking after only 800 miles. Both of them had been installed backwards by the shop that did the work for the previous owner.

[Dave the Wave]

bingo! yes it does. how does it get lubricated?

[Histoy56]

Aren't sealed bearings lubricated during the build so no further lube is required?

[Dave the Wave]

the `57`s are open, rear end fluid lubes them.

[Rick_L]

Aren't sealed bearings lubricated during the build so no further lube is required?

If they are sealed on both sides, they are permanently lubed, you can't do better than that.