Advice------wheel bearings

[Guest btate]

Since almost everything will either be new or rebuilt, should I replace the wheel bearings. Someone said do the outer rear and not the inner as the rear gears would have to be pulled, to do the inner. I could just leave them alone but no more than bearings cost-------maybe I should replace. Any advice appreciated. Bill

[Guest btate]

The car is 55 Buick Special -----who knows how many miles

[old-tank]

Bill

Carefully clean and inspect all the bearings and only replace as needed. The available replacements are not near as good as good used ones. All the bearings means doing the rear also: clean, repack, and replace the seals.

Willie

[Guest btate]

I guess maybe I could clean with kerosene re-pack and purchase new seals. Seems years ago I used kerosene to clean the wheel bearings. But, could be wrong.

[old-tank]

Kerosene will work, but I use Varsol or equivalent (less flammable) followed by brake cleaner. Remove all traces of the old grease if you are not sure they have ever been packed in modern grease...the possible incompatibility can cause the whole mess to liquefy (another item filed under 'how do I know that'). Valvoline synthetic wheel bearing grease has served me well...seems to stick to the ball bearings better than others.

[Guest]

Clean and inspect and only replace if necessary,if worn the inner and outer should be replaced as a set, in fact say if your rt front is showing some wear replace the left side as well as it's been on the road the same amount of time. Always repair/rebuild/replace things in pairs including brake shoes, wheel cylinders, brake calipers.

Timken bearings are excellent bearings. If you just go to the parts discount store you will get Mexican or Chinese made bearings. Or you could look for OE bearings...if you do that inspect them before buying.

Edited November 11, 2012 by helfen (see edit history)

[Guest btate]

Thanks for the information

[Guest btate]

One more question! Do I have to remove the rear end gears to replace the inner bearing ?

[old-tank]

One more question! Do I have to remove the rear end gears to replace the inner bearing ?

Just the axles, then the brake backing plates, outer seal, bearing, then inner seal. Leave the gears alone if they were quiet in service and look good.

[Guest btate]

Thanks

[Dandy Dave]

Timken bearings are excellent bearings. If you just go to the parts discount store you will get Mexican or Chinese made bearings. Or you could look for OE bearings...if you do that inspect them before buying.

Just put a Timken bearing in a piece of machinery several days ago. The Timken bearing was, "Made in China." Kinda churns my inners when I think about it. Dandy Dave!