Rear Wheel Bearings (axle bearings)?

[JohnIL]

Hey Fellas,
When I was bringing home my new-to-me '88 Grand Wag, my brother said that from behind, it looks like the rear wheels wobble a bit when they are under load. If I turn right, the left rear wheel wobbles. If I turn left, the right rear wheel wobbles. Does this sound like bad bearings or something else? How difficult are the bearing to change? Thanks.

John

[RdHawg]

Check dumb things first - lugnuts tight? How about ubolts, spring mounts, centerpins? If it is the axle bearings that are loose you prolly be able to jack it up and move the whole wheel around by hand.

[The Anti-Chrysler]

You would hear a groaning noise if the bearings were bad. Did you check for bent wheels? Also, when tires on a vehicle sit for a long time, they can develop flat spots from where they were parked. These last for only a few days though, and usually disappear after a few dozen miles of driving.

[JohnIL]

The lug nuts are tight and the wheels are true. I don't hear any groaning, but I have a noisy exhaust leak that I hope to cure tonight. I haven't had the rear end off the ground yet, so I don't know if there is anything loose. Any other suggestions of what to look for? Keep em coming. Thanks.

John

[Am4wag]

Differentials are notorious for being neglected.Your bearings could be "shot"on the carrier.Remove the cover and drop the oil(if there is any).Is good "practice"to change all oils upon acquiring a used vehicle anyway.But this goes in hand with the above advice also.