Questions and Answers

Dodge Challenger Rear Wheel Bearings Q. Hi Vince, I am a deployed soldier and have bought what we call a Hoopty to get around base. It's an old 1980 Dodge Challenger. No 440 with a six pack here. I have what seams to be a rear wheel bearing problem. A steady grinding noise from the rear end at about 35 mph+ when not under load.

Noise lessens when under load either accelerating or decelerating. It does not go away when I press the brake pedal either. So I have ruled out brake noise. I am having my wife send the bearings, but the cost of purchasing and mailing the repair manual is not worth it since I hope to be out of here and selling the car to another soldier in the next 6 months.

Can you give me the skinny on changing the rear outer bearings?

• 1980 Dodge Challenger
• Manual Transmission
• 2.6 liter engine
• 4 wheel disc brakes
• Rear wheel drive
• 132,000 miles

Thank you,
Bryan

A Well, since you are a Captain and I was just a lowly Sargent, I guess I have no choice but to tell you how to do it. Here is the procedure.

1. With the wheel and brake drum removed, or the caliper and rotor assembly removed, loosen the differential housing cover and drain the lubricant. Remove cover.
2. Turn the differential case to make the pinion shaft lock screw accessible and remove the lock screw and shaft.
3. Push the axle shaft inward toward the center of car and remove the "C" washer from the groove in the axle shaft.
4. Remove the axle shaft from the housing, being careful not to damage the axle bearing, which will remain in the housing.
5. The axle bearing and/or seal can now be removed if necessary.
6. Reverse the procedure to install.