If you remove an axel shaft from a Borg & Warner axel, do you have to replace the bearings?

The 1987 Service manual states you have to replace the bearings if you remove them... Is it necessary or just a good idea.

John

 

Not entirely necessary. I have several friends with 9 bolts that have removed and reinstalled their axles several times without replacing the bearings or seals. Besides that, it's a major PITA to replace them since they have to be pressed off and back on using a shop press. If you ever get a leaky axle seal though, that's the perfect excuse and time to replace the bearings since you have to press the bearing off to replace the seal IIRC.

 

THanks Pat,
I was not sure because the book said so, I thought that possibly something was broke when I used the slide hammer to pull the axel out of the tube. Kind of a 1 time use thing... I hope I do not have any leaking issues...

John

 

I think it means ...if you remove the bearing from the axle...you need to replace it.

 

the bearings are pretty tough to get off. So they recommend replacing them since there is a great chance of ruining them. If you are lucky enough to get them off without damaging them, I guess you could re-use them. But at the price they are, its just cheap insurance to start fresh...