Axle bearing noise while rotating by hand normal?

[deskjockey]

I hope this question doesn't come off as being too stupid: I replaced the rear brakes a couple days ago and while I had the drums off I rotated the axle by hand (it's 8.25 rear end). The outer bearings are roller bearings and I could almost feel each roller as I turned the axle by hand. Is this normal? If I spun it as fast as I could by hand it made a solid whirring noise like a cog on a bicycle. I thought that each axle should turn smoothly without any noticable noise or feel to the bearings.

[twisted_ed]

Does not sound normal to me, I would replace them, relaticly easy to do.

[OverlandXJ]

Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but i think the sound and resistance your feeling is the spider gears in the carrier turning?

[deskjockey]

Nope, I'm positive the noise is coming from the outer bearings. If I put my ear right next to the axle flange it's obvious the sound/feel is coming from the outer bearings.

[OverlandXJ]

I'm not familiar with the 8.25...is the bearing a press fit? Pull shafts and check them perhaps.

[deskjockey]

Bearings are pressed into the tubes. I have my buddies slide hammer with some fancy bearing puller tabs. This axle has 170k miles on it, so they're probably due for a change. I plan on pulling the axles out this weekend to take a look. I'm hoping the axles themselves are not pitted or brindled. The last thing I want to do is drop coin on new axle shafts!

[OverlandXJ]

See...i didnt know that. Makes sense to just have new ones if you tear it down then, espescially with that mileage.

I bought a rear 44 already geared a few years ago when i built a new rig, i'v been wanting to pull my shafts and have new seals/bearings pressed on. Just for piece of mind if i decide to jump in the Jeep and drive cross country. Everything else is new on front and rear axle.

Good Luck.