Monday, October 25, 2010

Drivers side rear brake tear down

The drivers side seems to be more of a mess than the passenger side. The seal was definitely leaking because there was oily gunk covering everything. The parking brake cable was completely rusted solid inside the housing. Since I am replacing the cable I just used my big bolt cutters to cut out the old one. I also found the e-clip that holds the parking brake lever in place was nearing falling off. I bet that would have been fun if it came apart inside the drum while I was driving! Pulling the bearing and seal was a breeze with the proper tool. I was able to pull the seal and the bearing at the same time. It only took four or five smacks with the slide hammer.

Passenger side axle reinstalled

So the '65 seals ended up being the correct part. I installed the new bearing, seal and re-installed the axle. I also installed my new Lokar parking brake cable.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Axle bearings and seals

Since I had the axle shafts removed I decieded it would be a good time to replace the outer axle bearings and seals. I ordered the parts for a 1964 C-10 from LMC. Unfortunately when I went to test fit the seal it was way too small. It is the correct part for a '64 but I have now discovered my truck has a newer rear-end. After doing some measuring with the calipers and research on Timkin's web site I found out I need a seal for a 1965-1979 12 bolt. The bearing I bought will work because Chevy used the same bearing from 1962 through 1989. I was able to pick up the correct seal at Autozone and take advantage of their free tool rental. I rented a nice 5 lb side hammer and bearing puller attachment. It made quick work of pulling the old bearing.

 The black seal is the '64 and the red seal is the '65.