Dana 30 Carrier Bearings

[AZJeff]

While putting new axle seals in the front of my MJ, I discovered that one of the carrier bearings is toast and is going to need to be replaced.   Here is my question:

 

If I replace the bearing/outer race, what are the chances that the preload and backlash will be within the original factory spec.?   I am hoping I can just remove the old bearing, install a new one (using the same shim stack) and be within desired specs.

 

Am I being unrealistic?  

[Eagle]

I would estimate that the odds are about 75:25 in your favor, or maybe a little better.

[AZJeff]

Thanks, Eagle.  I did some searching on the interweb, and found that, as long as the carrier is going into the same housing from which it came, the chances are good that all would be well with new bearings.

 

Let's hope it turns out to be true!

[DirtyComanche]

If you only change one of the bearings/races it will be much more likely to cause problems than if you do both sides.  The new bearing/race assembly will be tighter and shift the carrier the other way somewhat.

 

That said, the gears are probably nicely worn by now so who cares.  Might make more noise, but it won't likely cause any problems.

[AZJeff]

12 hours ago, DirtyComanche said:

If you only change one of the bearings/races it will be much more likely to cause problems than if you do both sides.  The new bearing/race assembly will be tighter and shift the carrier the other way somewhat.

 

That said, the gears are probably nicely worn by now so who cares.  Might make more noise, but it won't likely cause any problems.

I am a firm believer in doing both when I see one that is worn.   I do this on brake calipers, wheel bearings, shocks, springs, and any similar "paired" items.

 

Besides, Amazon only had the carrier bearings as sets of 2 anyhow, so I will do both.