I know this has been covered in other threads, but I just want to make 100% sure I'm understanding things. That is, there are no complete hub assemblies for the rear bearings, like there are for the front. The only way to replace the rear bearings is to disassemble the axle and pull them out, right? The fronts, you can buy the entire hub assembly with bearings already pressed in, which makes it a simple job to replace. But nothing like that exists for the rears? I ask because I have a hum so I know one of them is going bad. With no garage and Indiana winter, I've yet to troubleshoot which one. If it is the rear, and it completely fails, does it totally come apart, like tire falling off, or will it just grind? My Blazer doesn't have much left to it, so I may just let it ride for a while. Thanks!

 

You are correct, but it's really a pretty simple job to do the rears. Maybe even easier than the front. If the bearings fail completely, you won't lose a wheel, but it will ruin your axle shaft, and you'll lose a bunch of oil. Better to replace them ASAP.

 

Did my driver's side rear axle bearing over the summer. Mine was so bad it took out the seal and the axle.

 

Thanks! That's what I thought, but I wanted to make sure. Like I said though, I'm not sure which end the hum is coming from. Winter time slows my diagnostic motivation! I think I still have some time though, as the humming isn't constant right now. Thanks again!

 

Better to do it sooner than later. I let mine go way to long. My hearing isn't so great anymore and with the hum of super swampers I couldn't hear it. I found mine when redoing my rear leaf springs. I had gear oil all over the wheel well.

 

After driving for a while that wheel will become hotter to the touch, easy check if you can’t lift the rear and spin by hand.