Alrighty

The rear right tire spins "alright" but the rear left tire needs ALOT of force to spin it. I removed the caliper and it still pretty darn tough. The car is in the air. Could the differential be closed or open or what?

Am I going crazy and this is normal?

 

Doesn't sound normal. I had a similar issue when the car was in the air. The rear toe adjustment was out so that the tires would contact the front bottom of the wheelwell. I had 18's on when this happened. Could also be a siezed or siezing wheel bearing. Start on the outside and work your way into the diff.(troubleshooting order)EDIT: I just reread and saw that you are trying to spin with the wheel off? Is this correct? Start at the wheel bearing.

 

Where is the wheel bearing? I tried with the wheel on AND off. Should I check the shop manual?

 

It sounds like you should look at the manual The wheel bearing is in the outside axle flange. or knuckle,it's known by different names by different people. You have to remove the wheel hub assembly and the axle flange. You need to press them out and back in. It starts talking about it on page M-9 of the factory service manual. Good luck.

 

What would show that its bad?

 

Your symptoms! Also if there is any play in the bearing,( grab the wheel and try to rock it side to side etc...), grinding/notching when it is rotated. It sounds like you need to go into that area anyway if you goin to the diff. You need to test the bearing for the above symptoms with the axle flange off, and on the car. Work your way into the diff. testing all components related to the system and you'll find it. How many miles on your car? Chance are it's something easy like the WB. I just changed a rear hub/WB assembly on a VW VR6 with 24k miles on it. They go out whenever they feel like it. And being our cars are RWD it puts more strain on them( in the back)

 

136k miles on the chasis =/ So ya I guesse its that.

 

How much would new wheel bearings be??

How much would it cost someone else to do it for me?

Estimates only please =)

 

I dont know if they sell the bearings seperately
I wouldn't see why not
The wheel is located in the rear hub support assembly and will need to be pressed out and a machine shop would be more than able to do if you plan to remove the hub support yourself.
Good Luck

93 FD

 

Im guessing this is never done on an FD and with 133k miles on the chasis its about time I do it no?