How to Change a Rear Wheel Bearing on a 1996 S10 Blazer

The rear wheel bearings on a 1996 S10 Blazer are pressed into the outer end of the differential axle tubes. Because changing a rear wheel bearing requires removing the axles from the differential carrier, this is a moderately challenging repair. In some cases, a failed rear axle bearing can groove the axle surface on which it rides. You can purchase an axle saver bearing that offsets the bearing, causing it to ride on a different part of the axle.

Instructions

Block the front wheels by placing the blocks behind the front wheels. Place the transmission in neutral. Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench. Loosen the lug nuts a half turn on the rear wheels using the lug wrench.

Place the jack under the differential housing and raise the truck. Place a jack stand under the axle tube on each side of the differential. Lower the Blazer so it rests on the stands. Remove the lug nuts on the rear wheels and the wheels themselves.

Tap the rear brake drums between the wheel studs with a hammer to loosen them. Pull the drums off. Place the drain pan under the differential.

Remove all the 13 mm bolts in the differential cover using a socket and a ratchet. Pry the cover off slowly at the bottom using a flat-head screwdriver. Allow the gear oil to drain. Remove the cover.

Rotate the differential by turning either axle hub until the pinion shaft retaining bolt is located at the bottom. This is the large bar that runs through the center of the differential and engages both top and bottom spider gears.

Remove the pinion shaft retaining bolt using a 1/4-inch drive socket and a ratchet. When the bolt is removed, the pinion shaft will most likely slide out, so be prepared to catch it. Under no circumstances should you turn the differential with the shaft removed. If you do, the spider gears will move out of alignment or fall out. It's a real problem for a novice to reinstall them properly.

Push both axles in toward the center of the vehicle as far as possible. Remove the large C-clip retainer from the inside ends of the axles. Pull the axle or axles, as the case may be, out of the axle tube, and stand the axles upright on the wheel studs.

Remove the outer axle seal using the seal puller. Insert the slide hammer bearing puller end through the center of the outer bearing. The end of the puller must swivel behind the bearing so it is straight up and down, as in a T, to grab the rear of the bearing. Slide the hammer on the tool and remove the bearing.

Insert the new bearing by pushing it in, perfectly level, as far as possible. If necessary, tap the outside of the bearing slightly to get it started. Place the old bearing over the new bearing and use it to drive the new bearing into the axle tube. This protects the new bearing. Hammer the new bearing into the axle by striking the old bearing, which is acting like a driver. Continue until the sound changes to a definite thud, indicating the new bearing has seated fully.

Install the new outer seal by tapping it gently around the outside edge until it is flush with the tube. Install the axle into the tube and engage the differential. You may need to move the axle around to get its end into the hole in the differential. Push the axle in as far as possible.

Install the C-clip axle retainer into the groove on the end of the axle. Pull the axle outward to seat the C-clip retainer into the axle housing so it cant come out. Insert the pinion shaft and install the retainer bolt. Torque the retainer bolt to 27 foot-pounds.

Clean all the gasket material from the mating surface on the differential cover. Use the brake cleaner to finalize the cleaning of the inside of the cover. Place a thin continuous 1/8-inch bead of RTV sealant around the mating surface. Allow enough time for the RTV to skin. When it no longer adheres to your finger, it is ready to be installed.

Install the cover and torque the bolts to 20 foot-pounds. Remove the filler plug on the front side of the differential above the pinion gear using a wrench. Fill the differential with 80/90 gear oil until it begins to flow out of the filler plug hole, indicating it is full to the level of the filler hole. Replace the filler plug.

Install the brake drums. Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds. Raise the truck and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten it with a wrench.