I have the same issue in my 79. What I found its cause the caliper bracket doesnt let the seal sit all the way in there. I ended up having to put silicone on mine to keep them from leaking.

I thought the axle oil was supposed to keep the bearings lubed, at least on the tapered bearings? Wouldn't the non-tapered ones work the same way, or does the seal on the bearing keep them from getting adequate lubrication from the lube? Not saying it'd be ideal, but would it wreck the bearings?

514003 is the correct number. It is the large bearing... Advance Auto had them for me in an afternoon

SMALL BEARING DIM'S...2.835" O.D. / 1.376" I.D.--RW-207-CCRA
LARGE BEARING DIM'S...3.150" O.D. / 1.531" I.D.--514003

The sealed bearings are not lubed with axle oil. That's why the seal is inboard. A leaking seal will wash out the bearing grease and the bearing will fail.

Tappered bearings (Set20) are lubed with axle oil and the seal is outboard.

Easiest way to get the bearings off is to cut them and the retainer.

Right, forgot about the inner seal on the non-tapered bearings. My PO was kind enough to install both inner and outer seals on the tapered bearings on mine.

You guys rock! I'll see if I can find some bearings local. I assume that part number comes with the retaining ring too?

Viper - Is the bearing pressed on too? So even if I get the retaining ring off, I still have a press fit on the bearing? I have a friend with a press so that's not a huge deal as I would assume I'd have to press new ones on. Might as well do it all on the press if I can. Trouble is he doesn't have the bearing pullers so we'll have to get creative.

Thanks!

J.D.

I cut 75% of the way through the bearing retainer with a thin cut off wheel, then used a hammer & chisel to break the retainer. Very easy, it was how the mechanics at my old job recommended. You will need to press them back on.

Yes, both bearing and retainer are pressed on. Gunni has the proper technique for removal.

Yup I did the same as gunni. Cut retainer with drill 75% into it. Then took a chisel and put it in the hole and wacked it with a 3lb hammer. Popped ring. Slide it off. Bearing I did similar just more work and careful to avoid axle shaft.

I went and bought a Harbor Freight bearing press clamp thingy. A friend of mine has a press and I'll swing by and use it. Then he can keep the tool.

Should I still cut the retainer off?

Oh, that reminds me. I found two 514003's at an Advance. The retainer ring isn't nearly as thick, but the center "race" on the bearing appears to make up for it. Need to measure with the calipers to be sure. But I had to it all back together with old parts so I could get it back into the garage.

J.D.

even in the ford manual they drill a hole in the retaining ring then hit it with a chisel and hammer.. so i would say go for it it will make a loud pop then you can slide it right off..

10-4 good buddy. Will do! Does the manual say a 3lb sledge? I'm in luck, I just happen to have one.

no idea.. i have a 3lb I use to hit everything.. only took one or two big hits then it popped across the hole i drilled.. you need to use a fairly large drill bit about 80% width or so.. or just use a dremel or something to cut into it about 3/4 of the way.