Rear wheel bearings..

[Pu241]

I have just sanded them smooth with 320 grit using clean oil as a wetting agent.
Clean with brake cleaner, let dry, and good to go.

Can't do this if you nick the races though.
Nick the race and you buy a new bearing.

[syfir]

Are you supposed to grease the outside of the races before putting them in the drum?

[GenevaDirt]

no...not necessary

[sam.1956]

Especially after sanding, as John said clean the bore b/f installing the race.

You want to make sure the race is completely and evenly seated all the way around at the bottom shoulder of the bore.

[ericsmith32]

On a whim and since it was cold I decided to replace the drivers side bearing only. Noise is gone. It was the one that was loose. Not sure how it loosened up since the other was fine. I bought a National (Moog) from O'Reillys the bearings say USA but the box says Romania. Now to replace the passenger's on mine being that its supposed to be 26 tomorrow that may not happen. Don't think it was anything I did greasing wise or the bearings although made in China.. probably just didn't tighten it up enough.

[crunde85]

This same thing just happened to my car. Surprised my wheel didnt come off. This seems to be a common thing with this car? I just replaced the passenger side spindle and now the drivers side outer bearing went tonight

[resuwrecked]

like anything else they need to be maintained. the grease breaks down, bearing tolerances increase... every time i have my car in the air i check them. check at every oil change or rotation at least.

[crunde85]

Yeah but these were new bearings. Probably 3-4 weeks old. I think maybe I tightened the crush nut too much or something... The spindle is kinda messed up from the washer too. Lookin like Im goona have to do all new bearings and races and seals once again! :-/