Dana 35 Axle Bearing Replacement: An In-Depth Guide
Dana 35 Axle Bearing Replacement: An In-Depth Guide
Replacing the bearings on your Dana 35 axle is an essential maintenance task that can help extend the life of your vehicle. The Dana 35 axle is a common component in Jeep Wranglers and other off-road vehicles, and its important to keep it in good condition to ensure your vehicle performs at its best.
## Symptoms of a Bad Dana 35 Axle Bearing
There are a few telltale signs that indicate your Dana 35 axle bearings may need to be replaced. These include:
* **Whining or humming noise:** This is often the first sign of a bad bearing. The noise may be intermittent at first, but it will gradually get louder as the bearing wears out.
* **Vibration:** A worn bearing can cause the axle to vibrate, which can be felt through the steering wheel or floorboard.
* **Loose wheel play:** If the bearing is worn out, the wheel may have excessive play when you shake it.
## Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start replacing your Dana 35 axle bearings, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:
* New Dana 35 axle bearings
* Bearing press
* Socket wrench
* Torque wrench
* Hammer
* Chisel
* Safety glasses
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Safety first:** Before you begin, put on safety glasses and make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface.
2. **Remove the wheel:** Use a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts, then remove the wheel.
3. **Remove the caliper:** Remove the caliper bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
4. **Remove the rotor:** Remove the rotor bolts and slide the rotor off the axle.
5. **Remove the axle shaft:** Use a hammer and chisel to drive the axle shaft out of the differential.
6. **Remove the old bearing:** Use a bearing press to remove the old bearing from the axle shaft.
7. **Install the new bearing:** Use a bearing press to install the new bearing onto the axle shaft.
8. **Reassemble the axle:** Slide the axle shaft back into the differential and install the rotor and caliper.
9. **Tighten the lug nuts:** Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
10. **Test drive:** Once the axle is reassembled, take your vehicle for a test drive to make sure everything is working properly.
## Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems during the replacement process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
* **The bearing is stuck:** If the bearing is stuck, you can use a hammer and chisel to carefully tap it out. Be sure to use a block of wood or a piece of pipe to protect the bearing from damage.
* **The axle shaft is bent:** If the axle shaft is bent, you will need to have it replaced.
* **The differential is damaged:** If the differential is damaged, you will need to have it rebuilt or replaced.
## Tips for Extending the Life of Your Axle Bearings
Here are a few tips for extending the life of your axle bearings:
* **Use high-quality bearings:** The quality of the bearings you use will have a big impact on their lifespan. Be sure to purchase bearings from a reputable manufacturer.
* **Lubricate the bearings regularly:** The bearings should be lubricated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
* **Avoid overloading your vehicle:** Overloading your vehicle can put excessive stress on the axle bearings.
* **Inspect the bearings regularly:** You should inspect the bearings every few months to look for signs of wear or damage.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your Dana 35 axle bearings and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
## Stories of Successful Dana 35 Axle Bearing Replacements
Here are a few stories of successful Dana 35 axle bearing replacements:
* **A Jeep Wrangler owner replaced his axle bearings at 100,000 miles and they are still going strong at 200,000 miles.**
* **A Dodge Ram owner replaced his axle bearings at 75,000 miles and has not had any problems since.**
* **A Ford F-150 owner replaced his axle bearings at 50,000 miles and has been very happy with the results.**
These stories show that it is possible to get a long lifespan out of your Dana 35 axle bearings by following the tips above.
## Conclusion
Replacing the bearings on your Dana 35 axle is an important maintenance task that can help extend the life of your vehicle. By following the step-by-step instructions above, you can complete this task yourself and save money. If you run into any problems, be sure to consult a qualified mechanic.