98 V70 right CV axle - how to grease carrier bearing

Post by **98v70dad** » 21 Dec 2016, 11:17

Anybody got some special tips on moving the carrier bearing retaining ring on a V70 axle so it can be greased with a syringe? cn90 suggested putting the axle in a bench vise and using a pipe wrench on the ring to move it and gain some access to the bearing. This could work but I don't know how far I'll be able to move the ring this way. It seems like it would be tough to do it this way.

I suppose you could dremel the ring off and put a new one back on after greasing the bearing, but I don't have any sort of press and that's a long distance to move the retaining ring with a drift and a hammer. The new retainer ring isn't that expensive.

Does anyone else have a tip or a better method?

Post by **98v70dad** » 22 Dec 2016, 16:51

Zero for 41. Awesome. Nobody has any tips or ideas - its Christmas? I would think that something like this would be routine for wrench heads. I wouldn't ask if I didn't need help

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Dec 2016, 17:32

The reality is, almost no one ever does this. You'll have to wait until someone passes by who does/has ...

Post by **98v70dad** » 22 Dec 2016, 18:45

erikv11 wrote:The reality is, almost no one ever does this. You'll have to wait until someone passes by who does/has ...

Kind of figured that but it doesn't seem smart to put a used part on without servicing the carrier bearing. Plenty of people put on a used part. A part that has been sitting in a junkyard for 10 years should have fresh grease before you put it on the car .... my opinion.

Post by **cn90** » 22 Dec 2016, 20:14

Removing the existing support bearing without special tool is difficult b/c it sits deep in the axle length.

However, the easiest way is to destroy it:
- Dremel the support bearing out.
- Use new bearing.
- Use new retainer ring.

PS: If you want to re-use the bearing, then my thought is: use a flat screwdriver and try to pry the retainer ring away from the bearing.
Now you have access to the rubber seal, lift the inner part of the seal (where it meets the rotating shaft), inject some grease and call it a day.
Of course, you push the retainer ring back to its spot.

Post by **98v70dad** » 23 Dec 2016, 07:19

cn90 wrote:Removing the existing support bearing without special tool is difficult b/c it sits deep in the axle length.

However, the easiest way is to destroy it:
- Dremel the support bearing out.
- Use new bearing.
- Use new retainer ring.

PS: If you want to re-use the bearing, then my thought is: use a flat screwdriver and try to pry the retainer ring away from the bearing.
Now you have access to the rubber seal, lift the inner part of the seal (where it meets the rotating shaft), inject some grease and call it a day.
Of course, you push the retainer ring back to its spot.

Thanks cn90. That's the best and only idea for moving the retainer that I have. I plan to leave the bearing in place because it seems ok and new ones are expensive. I just want to get some fresh grease into it and there's no room for that.

You gave me the idea about using a screwdriver to move the ring about a week ago and I've already tried it. I wasn't able to move the retaining ring without putting a lot of force on the bearing. Actually I didn't budge it at all. I wasn't brave enough to really torque down or pry on it, though. I used my huge screwdriver with a big blade on it.

Anyhow, I can make something from a couple of U-bolts, scrap metal and all-thread (like a bearing puller) but its a lot of effort if there's an easier method. I'll probably try some PB blaster on the ring (being careful not to get it into the bearing) and then try your screw driver idea again before doing anything else.

Post by **cn90** » 23 Dec 2016, 09:36

Don's waste your time with ghetto tool U-bolts etc.
The brand-new retainer ring is only $13, Volvo PN 3520570.
Buy the new ring, dremel the old ring out, re-grease the bearing.
Install new ring and you are done.

Post by **98v70dad** » 23 Dec 2016, 11:16

cn90 wrote:Don's waste your time with ghetto tool U-bolts etc.
The brand-new retainer ring is only $13, Volvo PN 3520570.
Buy the new ring, dremel the old ring out, re-grease the bearing.
Install new ring and you are done.

True. I thought of that. Its an option. I am a little afraid of the ring getting stuck half way down the shaft. Maybe an irrational concern, but I haven't had good luck with interference fit parts in the past. For me I usually get the old one off or out and the new one gets stuck when installing it.. The only way I have to get it on the shaft is to beat it on with a drift and a hammer. My workshop and tools are more geared towards woodworking than car stuff.

Putting on a new ringis probably the best choice. Have you done it? If the fit of the retaining ring isnt too tight I guess I wouldnt worry about it.

Post by **erikv11** » 23 Dec 2016, 11:55

A local machine shop would probably press that ring on for just a few bucks.

Post by **98v70dad** » 23 Dec 2016, 12:48

erikv11 wrote:A local machine shop would probably press that ring on for just a few bucks.

True. My biggest consideration is usually time and logistics. My really long commute has me getting home after businesses are closed and if its a place that doesn't cater to consumers it will be closed by the time I can get to it on weekdays and often places like that are closed on weekends also. Getting someone to press it on would be my plan B if I couldnt get it on myself.