Just had a rear axle bearing fail very completely with no warning. Heard a little thunk, then a sound like the parking brake shoes had lost their lining and jammed in the drum, except the cyclic grinding was at a lower frequency than the wheel RPM. What could it be? I figured the only thing going slower than the wheels is the bearing roller retainer cage.

Pulled it apart last night, and sure enough, retainer had completely failed. No piece longer than an inch. Pretty scary. Just got back from a 600 mile trip 180 miles ago. Would have been a show stopper. Fortunately, I have a spare kit "in stock" (gets that way with three 240's to look after).

Anyhow. Just briefly tried pressing the bearing off last night with my 15 ton Atlas and a good OTC bearing splitter. Seemed like it was taking a bit more force than it should. Getting late, so I said heck with it, I'll do it tomorrow when I won't rush and screw something up.

So I figured I'd tune into the forum today just to see if there were any helpful pointers on the job.

Whoa. What's all this about a bearing retainer ring? Saw reference to it for an '81, '83, and '91. Don't know about '81 and '83, but I'm pretty sure the '91 has my rear axle.

I vaguely recall some mention of a retaining clip or ring when I was reading my manuals anticipating my problem might be the bearing. Pretty sure neither my Volvo green book or my Bentleys mention anything about a retainer ring that has to be drilled or cut off. Did a quick reread last night when it seemed it was taking a little to much oomph. They both say press the old one off and the new one on, with about that much detail (the Bentleys, as usual is a little more forthcoming, and about one tenth the price. Damned Volvo...).

Now, obviously, there is the ring up against the bearing inner race that I assume the seal uses as a sealing surface. I figured it would have to be pressed off. Maybe even heated, after my abortive attempt at pressing, but drilled and/or cut?

Briefly looked in the repair kit earlier, but I can't remember if it had a new one of these rings, and it's at home while I'm at work, so no looking at it now.

Got to go to the dealership tonight to pick up lower ball joints for the old Mercedes, right out of work and twenty miles in the opposite direction to home. They do Volvo too, so I'll see about that ring then. Hope this ain't going to be one of those wrench in the works type deals because the Volvo is thoroughly disabled right where I planned on overhauling the Merc's front end in the comfy heated garage this weekend, with 80% chance of rain at 40° for tomorrow (Michigan's idea of spring. Just thankful it's not snow, like last weekend).

I'd welcome a little input on this retainer rumor.

Chuck