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HUD · 12-08-2009, 06:51 PM

I've seen some posts on this but need to clarify some things. The rear end grease in my 57 ls leaking onto the backing plates and rear shoes. I understand that the gasket associated with the backing plate is for "dust prevention only". Thus are the bearings worn and allowing the grease to seep past or what?

BUD 1 · 12-08-2009, 07:03 PM

I MIGHT BE WRONG BUT I THINK THERE IS A RUBBER O RING THAT KEEP THE GREASE IN, WHEN YOU PULL THE AXLE YOU WILL SEE IT

BUD 1

Rick_L · 12-08-2009, 07:15 PM

Well the o-ring might make for a small leak, but if the bearing is original and it's never been removed, it's not likely.

Most likely is the bearing or at least the main bearing seal is worn out as you described.

mickeywestsr · 12-08-2009, 08:36 PM

Rick L is most likely right. Gotta change mine out this spring.

my55ragtop · 12-12-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUD

I've seen some posts on this but need to clarify some things. The rear end grease in my 57 ls leaking onto the backing plates and rear shoes. I understand that the gasket associated with the backing plate is for "dust prevention only". Thus are the bearings worn and allowing the grease to seep past or what?

You need to make sure the inside of the axle housing where the bearing race fits is not worn. If someone ran a bad bearing to long it would wear this surface. Only fix I know for this is a new axle housing along with new bearings. good luck

Old Buzzard · 12-12-2009, 02:20 PM

Vent plugged up??

Watchdog · 12-13-2009, 02:17 PM

Correct, dust cover only. The rubber is built into the seal itself so its either getting around or through the seal. Potential serious situation if that gets on your brakes.

Buggrn56 · 12-13-2009, 02:57 PM

I replaced the bearings on my 56 about a year ago. There is an O-ring on the bearing itself. I would have to agree that if "gear oil" is getting on the backing plates it has to be getting past the O-ring. My 56 has a 57 rear axle so we have the same bearings. They are 3" OD and 55/56 are 2 3/4" OD I believe, so watch that when you purchase the new bearings. At least that is what I found when getting mine. The bearings can be difficult to remove if you don't have access to a press of some kind but it's not impossible to do. Don't ask how I know that.

Good luck with the repairs and keep us updated.

Rog

12-08-2009, 06:51 PM	#1
HUD Member Join Date: Sep 2009 HUD's Garage Location: DIXON, ILLINOIS 61021 Posts: 21 Member #10198	RER WHEEL BEARINGS I've seen some posts on this but need to clarify some things. The rear end grease in my 57 ls leaking onto the backing plates and rear shoes. I understand that the gasket associated with the backing plate is for "dust prevention only". Thus are the bearings worn and allowing the grease to seep past or what?

12-08-2009, 08:36 PM	#4
mickeywestsr Trifive Leaders Club Join Date: Feb 2007 mickeywestsr's Garage Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee Posts: 31,276 Member #1970	Rick L is most likely right. Gotta change mine out this spring. __________________ GO VOLS COWBOY

12-12-2009, 02:20 PM	#6
Old Buzzard Senior Member 3 Gold Stars Join Date: Aug 2007 Old Buzzard's Garage Location: GA. Posts: 3,922 Member #3388	Vent plugged up?? __________________ Chuck Injector inspector. 55 210 sedan/ LQ9 tyrfryer..:evilgrin0002: Hotrodding and dragracing since 1955.:eek: USAF 1960-1964

12-13-2009, 02:17 PM	#7
Watchdog Senior Member 1 Gold Star Jumpin Joe Champion! Super Splash Champion! Havana Club 2 Champion! Join Date: Apr 2008 Watchdog's Garage Location: Darlington, SC Home of "The Track Too Tough To Tame" Posts: 1,129 Member #5274	Correct, dust cover only. The rubber is built into the seal itself so its either getting around or through the seal. Potential serious situation if that gets on your brakes. __________________ 55 Bel Air

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12-08-2009, 07:03 PM	#2
BUD 1 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 BUD 1's Garage Location: kenova ,wv Posts: 65 Member #5031	I MIGHT BE WRONG BUT I THINK THERE IS A RUBBER O RING THAT KEEP THE GREASE IN, WHEN YOU PULL THE AXLE YOU WILL SEE IT BUD 1

12-08-2009, 07:15 PM	#3
Rick_L Trifive Leaders Club Join Date: Mar 2007 Rick_L's Garage Location: Katy, TX Posts: 20,313 Member #2256	Well the o-ring might make for a small leak, but if the bearing is original and it's never been removed, it's not likely. Most likely is the bearing or at least the main bearing seal is worn out as you described.

12-13-2009, 02:57 PM	#8
Buggrn56 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Buggrn56's Garage Location: Oregon Posts: 117 Member #3146	I replaced the bearings on my 56 about a year ago. There is an O-ring on the bearing itself. I would have to agree that if "gear oil" is getting on the backing plates it has to be getting past the O-ring. My 56 has a 57 rear axle so we have the same bearings. They are 3" OD and 55/56 are 2 3/4" OD I believe, so watch that when you purchase the new bearings. At least that is what I found when getting mine. The bearings can be difficult to remove if you don't have access to a press of some kind but it's not impossible to do. Don't ask how I know that. Good luck with the repairs and keep us updated. Rog

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