Rear axel bearings

Has anyone had to replace their rear axel bearings? I have the Howler's rear end apart trying to find the howl. It wasn't the diff, so I figure it has to be an axel bearing. They are held inplace on the axel by a threaded ring. Does anyone know what the preload should be? Is is critical how the shims go back in??? The guys behind the parts counter have trouble just looking up the part...let alone giving me advice on proper installation. This is a bitch because my instinct tells me to get a 'yota rear and be done! I don't want to change wheels though.

Ermm... so ya, I've done them, but not acutally worked on the bearings. Its been a year or so, just give me a PM if you still have trouble.

I'm not sure what the heck you mean, preload, but if you need to get to the bearing, there is a collar on there with 3 notches. I believe if memory serves correct it is normal thread. Just take a screwdriver or something of the likes and a hammer and hit at the collar on the notches to break it loose. After, it should just unscrew.

If you are talking about the shims between the axle housing and the backing plate, it has no specific way to go on. Just put on the right amount on each side and your good.

I would also suggest replacing your inner and outer seals as well since your there, and it will give you peace of mind. As I'm sure at this point in time, they've never been serviced before.

As far as getting the bearing off, thats a diff. story. You have 2 routes, the DIY way or finding a shop with a press.

-The shop will have a hydraulic press and will be able to press the bearing off.
- You, have a concrete ground or something of the like and slam the axle down holding the backing plate. It should all break loose. I would'nt recommend this though, as you risk mushrooming the end.

Well, if it happens to be the bearings, I guess I could take them to the local drivline shop and have them replaced. I do have two other axel shafts, so maybe I'll try to put the two "good ones" in my housing.

Check to see if the bearing is loose. As well check the rollers on it for scoring and whatnot. Then, REPACK it with NEW grease.

I think it was like an hour of shoptime when I had them redo the outer seal. Just took the axles in.. They could replace the seals and bearings and pack them for you for about an hour of shop time, I'm sure.

You sure it isn't the pinion bearing causing the howling? I doubt it is the bearings on the shafts themselves...although it could be...as far as the bearings on the axle shafts, get a shop to press them off, or heat the bearing itself with a torch being careful not to heat the shaft up, and it should come off with a little persuasion. you can use an electric skillet to heat the new bearings up and slide them back on. do replace the seals, a cheap part that will save you a ton of agrivation...I have never messed with any inner bearings, and that could be a source of "noise" since that is a loading point from the transfer of power from the driveshaft to the axle shafts...good luck.

Ya, and if your diff. was bad it'd be better just go out and get another one from the junkyard than paying for a rebuild, cause it is'nt cheap!

I don't think it is the diff, because I swapped it with the unit from my other Mazda. (It has a toy axel now) I kept the old axels though cause the ones from my other Mazda had no wheel studs. (broken and shortened for wheel adapters.) So now I have the housing and diff from my old Mazda with the axel stubs from the Howler....If that makes any sense?