Rear Wheel Bearing Question

Nuggett · 07-17-2009, 07:58 PM

Hey guys, more help needed with wheel bearings. Which direction does the rear wheel bearing on an AMC 20 axle shaft go? I thought that (and according to the Chilton's manual) that the tapered end of the bearing faced the hub/threads/outside of the shaft and that the larger end faced the splines/inside of the shaft. However, I just got the shaft back from the machine shop and they had pressed it on the other way. I had explained to them to install it the right way but they insisted the way they had it on was correct. Ideas?

Fireman101 · 07-17-2009, 08:49 PM

I dont have the 20 but that looks correct to me.

**jeepwhore** · 07-17-2009, 08:54 PM

Hmmmm, as far as I remember that is wrong. Pretty sure the last time I did a stock 2 pc bearing, the new bearing went on with the taper facing out like you (and chiltons) said. The axle shaft goes in followed by the outer race and the brake backing plate applies the pre-load to the outer race. I'd take it back to them with chiltons in hand and make them replace it for you properly.

**yellow85cj** · 07-17-2009, 11:19 PM

While mine are a little dirty and trashed (headed for scrap - the new one piece set showed up), if you look at them you will see there is a difference in the way the bearing faces ( what's left) AND the location of the bearing.
I think you need to find a new machine shop!

They put the bearing on where the seal fits the axle.

rokcrawler3203 · 07-18-2009, 12:54 AM

Well I'll just assume that they've never worked on a 20 before, neither have I. Let's also assume that they work on other axles, like the D44, which have the bearings pressed on in the direction your's are, or at least mine are.

But I was always told never to assume anything, always to KNOW.

Could you put the race in there and see which way it fits? On my D44 the housing ends are tapered to fit the races.

BTW, I have never seen a AMC 20 axle picture like that and now really know why they die so quickly. (Spinning of the hub)

**80cj** · 07-18-2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuggett

Hey guys, more help needed with wheel bearings. Which direction does the rear wheel bearing on an AMC 20 axle shaft go? I thought that (and according to the Chilton's manual) that the tapered end of the bearing faced the hub/threads/outside of the shaft and that the larger end faced the splines/inside of the shaft. However, I just got the shaft back from the machine shop and they had pressed it on the other way. I had explained to them to install it the right way but they insisted the way they had it on was correct. Ideas?

That's wrong. The bearing is supposed to be mounted outside of the shaft shoulder with the taper facing the shaft threads. The machined area that they have the bearing mounted is where the inner oil seal rides. See yellow85cj's pic.

Nuggett · 07-18-2009, 02:26 PM

Thanks guys. I'll take the pictures to them to show exactly how it goes. I can guarantee you I won't be taking any work there any more.