Oil/ grease all over the rear driver brakes. I'm sure the seal is leaking and I should go ahead and change the bearings. By chance, what might be my chances that the bearings are still ok and I only need to replace the seal? Fair or slim? (Obviously I should know once I pull them.) Just hoping to luck out and looking for the odds.

 

Should be able to tell as soon as you jack it up, if wheel has up and down play you need bearings.

 

Clean and inspect. They should be ok.

 

wheel bearing rarely fail, but like said above Clean and inspect..

 

Well, did all of the work and I have a howl coming from the right rear wheel. The bearings LOOKED good but, I guess I will have to replace them any way. Wondering if some of the sound is coming from the carrier bearing in the middle of the driveshaft.