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66 Cj5 Rear Bearing Issues

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by cabz, Jun 24, 2018.

  1. Jun 24, 2018
    cabz

    cabz Member

    Ocala FL
    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2010
    Messages:
    106
    Hello.
    I am in the process of replacing the rear wheel bearings on my 66 cj5a. i pulled the driver side shaft and found the bearings bad as i suspected.
    However when i pulled the passenger side shaft i noticed some thing odd. the bearings was perfect , what happened was there where so many shims between the bearing race and the retaining plate that the race backed out just enough to cause the play in the axle i mistook as a bad bearing.
    so my question what exactly are the shims used for ? and in what order should they go in to prevent this issue again?
     
  2. Jun 24, 2018
    pat w

    pat w Member

    washougal wa
    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2015
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    107
    going off memory here..the shims are used to set the preload on the bearings and there is a measurement of in and out play you want to achieve. There isn't a set amount of shims it's a matter of trial and error. Also I seem to remember using a shin or 2 on one side and the bulk of the shims goes to the opposite side. Hopefully someone that has done this recently will chime in it's been a few years since I messed with tapered axles
     
  3. Jun 24, 2018
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
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    762
    The spec. for required axle shaft end play and instructions for shim placement will be found in service manual or a "MOTOR" repair manual covering your vehicle year. Yow will need a dial indicator to measure end play.
     
  4. Jun 24, 2018
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    It been a lot of years since I've been into the rear axle bearings, but I seem to remember needing to set one side with several shims and assemble. Then the other side is set using the opposite (first) side to push against to determine end float. My notes in a margin read ".001 -.006 end float". On taper rollers, this isn't very much, just perceptible end play.
    -Donny
     
  5. Jun 24, 2018
    cabz

    cabz Member

    Ocala FL
    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2010
    Messages:
    106
    thanks for the replies. i understand now what the shims are for, but tis it normal to have all the shims on one side?
     
  6. Jun 24, 2018
    pat w

    pat w Member

    washougal wa
    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2015
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    I believe one side should have a large stack of shims compared to the other side.
     
  7. Jun 24, 2018
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
    Messages:
    762
    I would divide them so you have about the same amount of bearing cup sticking out past housing.Use the heavy shim on one side and adjust with the fine shims on other side. Should be inner and outer seals as well. Check seal surface on tapered hub for groove.there should be some buttons on the end of the axle . Be sure they are in place
     
  8. Jun 24, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    You do have an FSM, right?
     
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  9. Jun 24, 2018
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
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    Mar 2, 2017
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    683
    Brian Hainer has a good video covering this...

     
    melvinm, Muzikp and CJMark like this.
  10. Jun 24, 2018
    cabz

    cabz Member

    Ocala FL
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    Sep 18, 2010
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    106
    nope no fsm as of yet , just an old chiltons
     
  11. Jun 25, 2018
    46ODDFIRE

    46ODDFIRE Member

    Richmond, VA
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    Aug 7, 2017
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    125
    For what it's worth, mine had many more shims on one side than on the other. I also had the following experience: I would measure and shim the second side until everything seemed perfect, then when I installed everything, the freeplay would disappear. I don't know what I was doing incorrectly, but it took a few tries to finally get freeplay in the acceptable range. That may not happen to you, but be prepared!
     
  12. Jun 25, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    That's yer problem, right there.

    Get a real FSM, it will pay for itself in the first hour.
     
  13. Aug 27, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    Sep 27, 2016
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    Anybody know where to get bearings, races and shims for the tapered axle D44?
     
  14. Aug 27, 2018
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
    Joined:
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    683
    I have found that Rock Auto has the best Timken prices going. Can't remember the bearing/race numbers off-hand, but can check my notes this evening.

    **edit**

    Bearing - 25877 $8.98 Rock Auto
    Race - 25821 $6.25 Rock Auto
    Shims - 805524 $7.95 Walcks Jeep

    If ordering from Walcks, might as well order the following as well, you're gonna need them...

    Outer Grease Seal - 914802 or 935612 depending on type/year
    Inner Seal - 640959
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2018
  15. Aug 27, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    Well that takes all the challenge right out of it. Thanks so much (y):clap::bananatool:
     
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