How do you replace the carrier bearing on a semi truck?

Answer 1

It really depends on the model. Likewise, are you talking about the drive shaft carrier bearing or the rear end carrier bearing? However really the same process is followed depending on weather it is a pressed on or bolt on setup.

Answer 2

If you're talking about the one on the driveshaft (also referred to as the hanger bearing), not too difficult. First thing you should do is take a couple 1" ratcheting straps and place them under the front section of the driveshaft... this will save you from getting busted over the head. Disconnect the u-joint and slip yoke at the rear end of the carrier bearing, making sure not to let the u-joint caps fall off or the slip yoke from coming off the rear section of the shaft... you can lay that on the ground, secure it with a ratchet strap, whatever... PACCAR trucks make this nice and easy, as the u-joints are mounted by straps which you remove with a 12 point 1/2" or 13mm socket.... Freightliners are a little more cumbersome in this regard.

Next, you'll unbolt the carrier/hanger bearing from the mount. This is typically just two bolts. After that, you disconnect the u-joint at the transmission tail shaft, and the whole thing comes out. Once I've got that done, I like to pull the rubber off to get better exposure on the bearing itself. You can very carefully pound it off with a pneumatic hammer, or beat it with a hammer and brass drift... you may or may not have to heat it up to get it off. Once that's done, go over that section of the driveshaft with some emery cloth, making sure to smooth out any burrs, gouges, etc. Find a good lubricating product (e.g., Dr. Tranny Assemblee Goo or something similiar), mount up the new one, and drive it into position.. if you have to hammer on it, use a deadblow hammer. Then, you reassemble everything.

If you're talking about the differential carrier bearing, and you're asking this question on here, with no disrespect intended, I'm not going to get into that... you're in over your head, and should leave it to a professional.