rear wheel bearing service

It’s taken more than two years, but my restoration is nearly done! The best part was taking a drive with my wife and two kids yesterday! I’d love to share the rebuild process with everyone as soon as I finish up the last few details). By the way, anyone have a set of dog dish type front hubcaps with the center rings cut out?
One mechanical question has me and some of my mechanic friends a bit stumped. What should I do about the rear wheel bearings? My Jeepster Service manual calls for rear wheel bearing lubrication every 12,000 miles, but I doubt these things have ever been disassembled for grease repack. I have the tapered axle, not the flanged axle. The manual describes a long process of disassembly and shims for reassembly. What do you guys do for rear wheel bearing maintenance? Most of my friends believe in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy (which works well many times). But I want to be sure the Jeep is up for some long range road trips this summer with the family.
Your help, ideas and advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Nathan

 

“if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” you should be allset Oh ya welcome from Jackman

 

love to see some pics!!!!! i love Jeepsters

 

I always like to know what my wife and daughter are riding on.
If you don't know the vehicle history, I would tear it down and do it.
why?
a) if the axle or bearing lets go, the wheel falls off; not a lot of fun while driving.
b) it's easier to do in your driveway than out on the highway somewhere with the wife and kids along
c) if you follow the factory manual instructions, it's not that difficult a job to do; time consuming, yes.
anyway, that's my opinion.

Note:I have seen some axle housings that have had zerk/grease fittings at the rear wheel bearing area of the rear axle housing for bearing lubrication purposes. Mostly CJs, D41 and D44. Might be a worthwhile modification.

 

Thanks for the input and encouragement with the project guys! I think I'm going to order the parts from Turner 4wd and at least have them on hand. Im going to discipline my self and try to stay away from the tools for a couple months so my family can enjoy RIDING in the Jeepster insted of watching me work on it! Sooner or later, I'm going to have to take it apart and see for my self what that 38 year old grease looks like!
I'll post a "before and after" picture of the Jeepster soon so you guys can see the restoration work. It's been a lot, but well worth it.
Enjoy the summer!
Nathan

 

I had a worn out bearing (loose cage) when I did a prev maint on mine. buy the grease seals too, the felt will be gone on a 60 yr old axle.

you will need one of these pullers. On ebaY all the time but go for $60++ These hubs come off with a *BANG* and scare the crap outta ya so be prepared and stand to the side I thread the nut on slightly to prevent from wearing it. I dont use the handle but oil the threads and toss an impact on it.