Help! Question? How Do I know if the Rear Wheel Beariing needs to be replaced?

[Tbird]

How does one know if the rear wheel bearing needs to be replaced?

I'm told that a little movement is normal. I do not hear any noise when you spin the wheel. When the wheels were raised off the ground a bit & the tire was spun, the wheel seemed to lock. I'm told that this can be the universal joints. Any assistance or approach to better determine what the problem may be would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Larry McIntosh]

Rear Bearings

On my 1966 coupe, which I bought new I had a bearing sound in the rear bearing. It was more like a squeal. The inside bearing needed to be replaced. They do not have any grease zirts (sp). When I replaced them I added them. Another thing to look at is if the car has positraction. Some times the disks start dragging. There is a GM additive that you can add. It is a good idea to do this anyway. Good Luck Larry

 

[GTR1999]

You can check the movement fast by rocking the wheel at 3-9 o'clock. 6-12 will pick up diff yoke play.
If you are concerned and want to take the time, you can pull the 1/2 shaft and caliper. Then you're only rotating the bearings. They should be smooth with no noise. You can check the endplay with an indicator. Typical factory endplay is in the 003-004 range. I set my jobs to 0015-002 max. Keep in mind you're going to have some leveraqe with the rotor and wheel on.

Here is a link to my procedure, maybe it will help you.

http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129

 

[Tbird]

Thank you

I appreciate the information given by everyone as well as the link that was provided. The information was quite helpful.
Charles