Axle removal question on 39 LaSalle

[LaSalle5019]

I am replacing the brake system on this car so I was cleaning up the rear axle backing plates and figured since I have them off I should check the rear axle bearings and inside the axle tubes for any issues.  The axles will pull right out but before I pull them more than a half inch, I wanted to make sure I could easily reinstall them with out pulling the center section apart.  My question is: Once I pull the axles out is anything in the carrier section (like side gears) going to get misaligned and prevent me from just pushing them back in?

My other question....the grease drain back shields that are located on the brake shoe side of the backing plates have a little carbon brush on a piece of spring steel that rides on the brake drum.  Is that some type of static guard? Where they worried that the static electricity generated by the tires would prematurely fail the bearings so they grounded to the chassis immediately using this device?

Thanks for the help.
Scott

[35-709]

Probably a static shield to keep static noise out of your AM radio.  You gotta be really old to be familiar with those shields.   

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

No problem pulling the axles out and unless you can see these bearings are new, replace them.  They are not expensive.  They are sealed bearings with grease.  The seals fail with time and a bearing failure here is not nice.  Carbon brush as stated is for radio noise.

[Bill Ingler #7799]

I second to what Brad has said about replacing the axle bearings. I have been on 2 CCCA Caravans where an axle bearing has failed and the result was a fire. Fortunately the fires were put out but in one case, on a 47-75, the right rear quarter panel upholstery was burned. If you have any question on the age of an axle bearing, change the bearing for peace of mind.   Bill 

[LaSalle5019]

I'll pull the numbers and find a Made in the USA replacement. I'm not a big fan of replacing a good high quality bearing with an off-shore manufactured one. Thanks for all the excellent advice.
Scott

[39LaSalleDriver]

I'll pull the numbers and find a Made in the USA replacement. I'm not a big fan of replacing a good high quality bearing with an off-shore manufactured one. Thanks for all the excellent advice.
Scott

If you do, please let me know when you find them. Right now I'm redoing all my suspension and steering components as well as all my wheel bearings on my 5019 too.

[camelot]

Got my bearings and seals from OLCar Bearing company. George Bachleda. TEL 910-693-3324 southern pines NC. GREAT guy! Very knowledgeable, some NOS. Been in bearings for years. No website. Even has the bearing shaft for fan. Numbers help.

[LaSalle5019]

Original bearings were a New Departure 88128 with metal shields
Original seals are a rawhide in a metal housing with no markings

Replacements I found are:

Axle seals (outer): National 450274
Axle bearings: National 88128RA

The problem with NOS bearings is the lubricant is probably less than ideal....dried out.  With new bearings you know you are getting fresh and high quality grease.

[39LaSalleDriver]

Original bearings were a New Departure 88128 with metal shields
Original seals are a rawhide in a metal housing with no markings

Replacements I found are:

Axle seals (outer): National 450274
Axle bearings: National 88128RA

The problem with NOS bearings is the lubricant is probably less than ideal....dried out.  With new bearings you know you are getting fresh and high quality grease.

Thanks Scott, appreciate the lead.

[LaSalle5019]

I received my "Made in the USA" National Bearings. They are going back. I'll leave my perfectly smooth New Departures in before I put these in.