JimonaWing

I need to replace the axle bearings on my rear axle. I know that I can do the job, I just don't know the proper procedure.

I also plan to upgrade the brake cylinders to the GM part# 37337 while I am into that area of the truck.

Any advice on the rear axle bearing job would be appreciated.

BigIron70

Factory recomended procedure
I would also replace the nuts and locking wedges also and new axle gastkets. They are pricey but I have seen wheels come off because some people try to save a buck and reuse the old locking nut. If the nut goes on easy without any locking effect then replace them. Sometime the bearing race will grove the nut, replace them if that happened. The left side is critical since wheel rotation tends to loosen the nut make sure you install the wedge to prevent nut from coming off sometimes people get in a hurry or forget.

HUB AND AXLE BEARINGS
REMOVAL
1.Remove wheel and tire assembly.
2.Remove brake drum.
3.Remove the axle shaft.
4.Remove the lock wedge and adjustment nut. Use Socket DD-1241 - JD to remove the adjustment nut.
5.Remove the hub assembly. The outer axle bearing will slide out as the hub is being removed.
6.Remove inner grease seal and discard. Use Installer 5064 and Handle C-4171 to drive grease seal and inner axle bearing from the hub.
7.Remove the bearing cups from the hub bore. Use a brass drift, or an appropriate removal tool, to tap out the cups.
INSTALLATION
1.Thoroughly clean both axle bearings and interior of the hub with an appropriate cleaning solvent.
2.Install the bearing cups. Use Installer 8153 and Handle C-4171 to install the bearing cups.
3.Apply lubricant to surface area of the bearing cup.
4.Install the inner axle bearing in the hub.
5.Install a new bearing grease seal. Use Installer 8152 and Handle C-4171 to install the grease seal.
6.Inspect the bearing and seal contact surfaces on the axle tube spindle for burrs and/or roughness. Remove all the rough contact surfaces from the axle spindle. Apply a coating of multi-purpose NLGI, grade 2, EP-type lubricant to the axle
CAUTION: Use care to prevent the bearing grease seal from contacting the axle tube spindle threads during installation. Otherwise, the seal could be damaged.

7.Carefully slide the hub onto the axle.
8.Install the outer axle bearing.
9.Install the hub bearing adjustment nut. Use Socket DD-1241 - JD to install the adjustment nut.
10.Tighten the adjustment nut to 163-190 N·m (120-140 ft. lbs.) while rotating the wheel.
11.Loosen the adjustment nut 1/8 of-a-turn to provide 0.001-inch to 0.010-inch wheel bearing end play.
12.Tap the locking wedge into the spindle keyway and adjustment nut. Try to ensure that the locking wedge is installed into a new position in the adjustment nut.
13.Install the axle shaft.
14.Install the brake drum.
15.Install the wheel and tire assembly.

OUTDOORSMAN

Any chance to get this info for a 01.5? I have the hub off, bearings out, about to order parts but I am not sure on torque specs etc.... Thanks for any advice.