General: 140: - Rear Axle/Bearing Problems

sc surfer · Aug 11th, 2007, 06:04

I have a pretty clean 1969 145 wagon. Recently I had the rear driver's side bearing go bad. Seems like an easy job, but when the new bearing was installed, and the backing plate to the axle bolted tight, the axle was still out by about 1/8 inch, causing the rotor to scrape against the caliper housing. Tried it again with a new bearing and pressing...same thing.

I was told that my 145 is a late 1969, and could be considered a 1970--just wondering if that's my problem, and ordered the wrong bearing. Any other suggestions?

sc surfer · Sep 27th, 2007, 18:59

I may have figured out the problem by talking to a bearing shop--it seems that the bearing was pressed on wrong the first time, back in June, and when an axle is taken in for another pressing, the pressing is done at the same mark left by the previous bearing--hence a double mistake.

sc surfer · Oct 29th, 2007, 22:29

End-Play Adjustment. I finally understand the problem I've had with this rear wheel bearing. After installing a new wheel bearing the end play needs to be adjusted.

This end play adjustment is only on the 1968 through 1970 rear ends. It's a big round adjustment nut on the end of the passenger side axle, and it needs to be adjusted to .004 with a feeler gauge. My problem is that the adjustment was so loose for so many years that the differential is basically useless--I was amazed at the wear seen on that passenger side brake caliper, where the rotor had been rubbing on it for who knows how long.

Hope that helps

Mister T · Oct 30th, 2007, 04:23

sc surfer,
It as been many years since I have worked on the old adjustable shaft axles , I thought the 67 was the last year that they used it, I will look tommorow .
If this is that type set up then the thrust block between the shafts maybe broken , a common problem if the adjustment is to tight , if you havent already , remove the rear cover you can see it between the spider gears .

sc surfer · Oct 30th, 2007, 15:26

Mister T, thanks for that info, just out of curiosity I'll pull the cover and check, but miraculously I just located a '69 rear end with very little lash--the lash in my present diff is pretty severe so I have no regrets trashing it. It is interesting, though, to see just how these things work.

Thanks Again. SC S

Aug 11th, 2007, 06:04	#1
sc surfer New Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2008 16:36 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Watsonville	Rear Axle/Bearing Problems I have a pretty clean 1969 145 wagon. Recently I had the rear driver's side bearing go bad. Seems like an easy job, but when the new bearing was installed, and the backing plate to the axle bolted tight, the axle was still out by about 1/8 inch, causing the rotor to scrape against the caliper housing. Tried it again with a new bearing and pressing...same thing. I was told that my 145 is a late 1969, and could be considered a 1970--just wondering if that's my problem, and ordered the wrong bearing. Any other suggestions?

Oct 29th, 2007, 22:29	#3
sc surfer New Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2008 16:36 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Watsonville	Addendum to Rear Axle Problem End-Play Adjustment. I finally understand the problem I've had with this rear wheel bearing. After installing a new wheel bearing the end play needs to be adjusted. This end play adjustment is only on the 1968 through 1970 rear ends. It's a big round adjustment nut on the end of the passenger side axle, and it needs to be adjusted to .004 with a feeler gauge. My problem is that the adjustment was so loose for so many years that the differential is basically useless--I was amazed at the wear seen on that passenger side brake caliper, where the rotor had been rubbing on it for who knows how long. Hope that helps

Sep 27th, 2007, 18:59	#2
sc surfer New Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2008 16:36 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Watsonville	I may have figured out the problem by talking to a bearing shop--it seems that the bearing was pressed on wrong the first time, back in June, and when an axle is taken in for another pressing, the pressing is done at the same mark left by the previous bearing--hence a double mistake.

Oct 30th, 2007, 04:23	#4
Mister T Senior Member Last Online: Sep 12th, 2019 23:23 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Diego	sc surfer, It as been many years since I have worked on the old adjustable shaft axles , I thought the 67 was the last year that they used it, I will look tommorow . If this is that type set up then the thrust block between the shafts maybe broken , a common problem if the adjustment is to tight , if you havent already , remove the rear cover you can see it between the spider gears .

Oct 30th, 2007, 15:26	#5
sc surfer New Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2008 16:36 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Watsonville	Mister T, thanks for that info, just out of curiosity I'll pull the cover and check, but miraculously I just located a '69 rear end with very little lash--the lash in my present diff is pretty severe so I have no regrets trashing it. It is interesting, though, to see just how these things work. Thanks Again. SC S

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)