Do I have to replace axle bearings, seal and race

[massillon preacher]

I pulled my axles to replace the drum backing plates, do I now have to replace bearing, seal and race or can I just put the axles back in and bolt down?

[71Fe2O3]

That depends on the condition of the existing parts and your philosophy as a mechanic.

If the parts look OK and you want to get the job done without investing more time and money, and are willing to gamble that you won't have to take that system apart again any time soon, close it up and be done. Most likely it will be OK.

If, on the other hand, the parts are visibly worn, or if your inner voice tells you "this is an old vehicle, those parts are old, might as well replace them while I have this all apart" and you don't mind spending some more money and time, replace them, or at least clean them, refresh the grease and replace the seals if the races aren't visibly worn.

[colnago]

I just rebuilt a C6 tranny from a '71 F250. The hard parts were good, but it was incredible how dried out and hard the rubber seals were. At the very least, replace those. Cheap insurance.

Joseph

[Ohiotinkerer]

I look at it this way - when I got my bump last August it was a good driving truck with just a couple things I noticed that needed attention - but even with that in mind I didn't know how long ago things like front wheel bearings, u joints, carrier bearing, etc had been replaced - if at all. So it all got replaced (or in the process of being replaced) - I would rather spend the money it did cost me for the piece of mind rather than wonder if 8 hours from my house something is gonna let go and leave me at the mercy of a mechanic somewhere....plus the tow bill.....just my