Do i need to press this part back on with the carrier bearing? Does direction matter?

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I am replacing u joints and carrier bearing today since the rubber was loose on my old one. I pulled off this spacer or shield first then the carrier bearing? Does it serve any purpose other than keeping the shaft clean so you can press a bearing on an off easier? Also does the direction of the carrier bearing matter? i can't see anything on the old one or the new one that seems different on one side or the other

 

[Kheg]

I just did mine yesterday as a matter of fact. There was no difference in carrier bearing direction. I did not put the shield back on. It seemed to me it would not get tight enough to stop dirt and mud from entering the bearing so I left it off. I don't know if that was a good decision or not but it's what I did.

 

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I think it's there to keep shaft surface from corroding and making the bearing difficult to remove or install. Thanks! I wanted a second opinion in case I was missing something.

 

[Kheg]

The "book" stated I needed the 1.3 inch bearing but I in fact needed the 1.5 inch bearing. Which one did you need for your 2wd?

 

[icanfixall]

Always reinstall that shield. Otherwise much of your hp will leak out of that space......



I would put it back if I was to do this work but when I decide to change the universals I just drop the shaft off at my favorite drive line specialist. The use the best parts and never a return for issues. That has been well over 35 years now too that they have been doing my drive line work. Balancing and truing the shafts is as important to me as replacing the joints. I do enjoy laying under my truck but do not like redo jobs....

 

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I measured with micrometer before I removed shaft from truck mine took the 1.5.

I live in delaware, there aren't really any reliable specialist shops around here. Any important driveshaft work I use Dennys

 

[Koch13351]

Also does the direction of the carrier bearing matter? i can't see anything on the old one or the new one that seems different on one side or the other

I may be too late to respond, but generally bearing orientation is numbers facing out. Generally, not always. And as stated, some have no orientation.

 

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I litteraly just pressed it and the spacer on about 5 minutes ago haha. I didnt notice any markings, i think it'll be fine

 

[Koch13351]

If it felt good going in then you should be fine

 

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I used a 12" piece of 1 1/2" galvanized pipe with a cap. Its the exact ID of the bearing. It slid right on, i used never seize on the shaft and shield to make sure it slid on easily.