41 rear axle seal removal

[robert G. smits]

I have a leaking rear axle seal on the 41.  I removed the hub and axle today but am having trouble getting the old seal out.  Any suggestions appreciated.  Bob Smits  #2426

[Steve Passmore]

They usually have to be pried out with a big screwdriver or something. Pullers don't work well because the lip preventing the seal from going too far in also prevents the puller getting a grip on the metal section of the seal.   

[robert G. smits]

Thanks, Steve.  That was my experience yesterday.  My puller kept slipping off.  BTW do you know if the original bearings were stamped New Departure?  I cannot find any identification on my bearings leading me to suspect that they may have been changed by the PO who toured yearly with the CCCA and did not own a trailer.  On his last tour he drove from Atlanta to Scottsdale for a two week tour and returned home via Canada.  Bob Smits

[Steve Passmore]

If you need new bearing give George a call at Olcar Bearings. He won't need the number, he knows them all

[robert G. smits]

Already done. I have used George for longer than I like to remember.  I got the seals out this AM. For those of you thinking about new bearings DON'T use Rock Auto or the Box Stores.  Cheap Chinese crap.   Pressing the new bearings on tomorrow.  Should be ready for the Glidden tour.  Bob Smits #2426

[Jay Friedman]

For next time, an old timer once showed me a quick and dirty way to pry out the old seal, which is to simply use the axle in question as a very long pry bar.  It works perfectly.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Of all the USA GM cars I have worked on, I can recall seeing only New Departure stamped into every bearing.

Wouldn't be surprised if GM owned New Departure, like it did most of its' other suppliers, as in Muncie, Saginaw, Delco, and many more.

Bruce.

[Steve Passmore]

Your absolutely right Bruce.

https://history.gmheritagecenter.com/wiki/index.php/New_Departure_Manufacturing_Company

[robert G. smits]

When I pressed the old bearings off I noticed that they were not pressed all the way to the ridge.  Probably 1/8 of an inch of space. I pressed the new bearings all the way to the ridge.  Is this a probablem?  An old time machinist friend told me that they used to take the old  bearings apart and apply new wheel bearing grease and re use them.  I had never heard of this. 

[Steve Passmore]

Can't see that helping if they are rusted or worn out. Sounds like something they would do in 'Grapes of Wrath'

[robert G. smits]

Steve, he was looking at the bearings I removed from my 55 thousand mile 41 Cad.  To me the bearings looked very serviceable for being 76 years old. Since I tour 2 to 3 thousand miles yearly it made me nervous  I probably wouldn't have changed them right now if the rear axle seal hadn't been leaking. Bob Smits # 2426

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Bob: I have posted this before but I have been on two CCCA CARavans where a 41-75 and a 47-62 had rear axle bearings freeze up and the bearings got so hot they set the car on fire. The 41-75 got so hot the brake fluid was burning and set the rear seat cushion near the arm rest on fire. Fires were put out but it sure made believers out of the rest of the CARavan that were driving Cadillacs. If you are reading this and question if your car is still running on the bearings that were put in at the factory , then by all means, pull the rear drums and axles and check your bearings. If the bearings say New Departure then replace.   Bill

[Glen]

I have pulled the front wheel bearings from my 68 ELDO, opened them up and re-greased them.  Worked very well.  The old grease was dry and hard as is the grease in many old cars.   

[robert G. smits]

Thanks to all who replied.  The bearings were New Departure and were replaced with new ones from George.  Like Bill I had heard the  stories about old bearings seizing and starting a fire.  I will feel better on the Glidden.  Glen, glad to hear that re greasing old bearings was not a fairy tale.  How did you open up the old bearings?   Sorry for the two week delay in my response.  I usually have 2 or 3 projects going at the same time and I have been going through a 64 tri power Bonneville that followed me home from Canada a couple of months ago.  Bob Smits #2426

[Steve Passmore]

Glen, glad to hear that re greasing old bearings was not a fairy tale.  How did you open up the old bearings?   Bob Smits #2426

The front bearings are usually tapered and come apart in three sections Bob for easy cleaning and re-lubrication. They are not a sealed unit like rear ones.

[robert G. smits]

 Steve, Thanks for the reply.  Yes, the fronts were a breeze..  Bob Smits, #2426