I have a 1995 F150 Extended Cab. I already replaced the front bearings at 120k miles but I never did the rears.

How often should wheel bearings be replaced in general. I'm about to do a brake job and I'm considering doing it. Nothing is wrong just considering it since I'll already be in there.

Also how often to change rear diff fluid?

Thanks

Tom

 

There should be a number mentioned for diff fluid in your service part of your owners handbook.

You won't do it any harm by changing it now, though, unless you break something while you're doing it!
)
How many miles has it done now?? Sounds like it may have done a few. I don't know if you can just pull the bearings on the rear that easily (maybe so, last car I had it done on, it was cheap) but it may well be worth it for replacing the seals, too- I've noticed oil marks on my rear axle on my '92, I assume that's what it is, dumbo mechanic reckoned my rear brakes might be leaking, well they might, but I am pretty sure that's not the issue as brakes don't grab at all, and the vibration he mentioned could well be the rear ABS kicking in.

Do you have much of a hum in the back end? I always replaced wheel bearings based on that, although there ought to be a hard and fast mile number they should be done at.

I suppose detecting the changed noise is difficult if you drive it every day, but if you don't it may be quite easy - with the car I mentioned, it was a 77 corolla - body rusted a lot, mechanics were excellent - I got in it one day after a while and it was whoa! That's a real hum in the back end, so I got them done.....

They always talk about repacking/replacing front bearings, but never hear much talk about the rear ones.

 

Wheel bearings should be replaced when they fail.

As for the rear diff fluid, change it if you want to....

Steve

 

I like that answer.

 

Or when you do other Diff work. Like installing a Locker or Repairing a Limited Slip.

The reason I say this is that if you don't have a slide hammer with the right hooks to pull the bearings, it is a reall bear to get them out.

Also the sign of failed rear axle bearing is a grinding noise, that in my experienc sounds like it is coming from the front.

If you hear that noise get on it right away, otherwise your axles will be damaged and they don't come cheep. Luckly if they are not so ]damaged that they are weakened, you can get axle repair bearings. They don't fix anything, but move the bearing serfice to an undamaged surface.

Doug