C1 Wheel Bearings

[Jack Layton]

Front wheel ball bearings. Should I convert to a roller bearing or stay with the ball bearings? What manufacturer and part number should I get?
Rear wheel bearing: What part number is correct ? I remember a thread on this earlier, something about which way to turn the bearing to allow lubrication????
I tried the "search" mechanism but was not able to locate the thread.
Thanks, Jack

[John H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Jack -

Can't help you with the roller bearings - never had a problem with the original ball-bearing arrangement as long as they're properly adjusted, have never done the conversion.

The replacement rear wheel bearing being sold (the 607 ball bearing) is 1" thick; the originals are 0.9" thick, and use a 0.1" spacer to fill the 1"-deep bearing well. When you remove the old bearings and spacers, save the spacers - I know someone who needs them. In any event, you still need the lock rings that press on the axle to retain the bearings.

A plastic dirt cover is installed on one side of the 607 and an oil seal on the other side; this must be modified in order to let diff lube get to the bearing and let it live; without modification, the shipping grease in the bearing will disappear after about 10K miles, heat destroys the seal, and then it leaks diff lube onto the brakes.

Pry out the plastic dirt shield (usually green or black) and discard it. Pry out the oil seal and re-install it with the spring-rubber portion facing the diff from the outboard side; if you damage the seal, NAPA #18543 is the replacement. This will make the balls open to the inboard side for lubricant from the diff, the seal will get lube also, and the assembly will have long-term durability.

The correct original 1542 roller bearings are available from Dale Pearman, but they're expensive - your choice.

[Roy Braatz]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Jack ! If you do you will never go back to ball bearing.Again in 1991 I'm the one that wrote about changing from ball to roller for SACE. Then you could buy them for less then $100.00, unless you like spending Biga bucks ( Corvette Dealers) Call Allied Bearing Sales Inc. in L.A Ca. 213-837-0752 or 800-421-3658.
Outer 1953-57; order No. BO1R 9/16 thick.
Outer 1958-62; order No. B67R 1/2 thick.
Inner 1953-62; order No. B52R
The vary small difference in thickness may cause the dust cup from seating all the way on.

Rear wheel Bearings
1956 all Order No. RW-507-ER
1957 all Order No. RW-307-R
1958-59 all (except P/Trac) Order RW-607-NR
1960-62 all (except P/Trac) Order RW-607-NR-5573
The letter (R) at the end of each number means roller.
PS- if you have a vett that wonders down the road or wobbles a bit and seems to steer hard, your going to love these bearing.
I also have the numbers for the car 1955 to 57.

[Gary F.]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Jack:
I followed Roy's advice in the SACE newsletter back in 91 and put new roller bearings in the front of my 56. Now have twenty thousand plus miles on them with no problems. Suggest if you need to replace the front bearings and plan on driving much you go with the rollers.
Gary #1324

[Tom Parsons]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

I also replaced the ball bearings in my 56 as a result of Roy's info back in the early 90s. My 56 is driven frequently (and frequently like I stole it). I have ABSOLUTELY no negative comments about switching to the roller bearings up front. At the rear, I just stay with the 607s (yes, I said 607s because I have a 60 rear in my 56 with a sway bar and the 2 traction bars [radius rods] added). I've owned the 56 with the 60 rear since 73, and over the years, have maybe replaced 1 or 2 axle bearings.

[Roy Braatz]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Gary and John thanks for the plug. Some one asked the difference between the 57 and 58 Bango!
57 bearing out side diameter is 2.85, thickness .885
57 bango end flange is narrow same as 56
58 bearing out side diameter is 3in., thickness 1.032
58 bango end flange is wider or thicker viewed at the backing plate under the vett.
58 bango end flange haveing Posi. the same flange was reversed and thinner viewed at the backing plate under the vett.

An easy way to tell a posi or not ( Bango) because any one can add a posi, Carrier,is to remove the rear drum and look to see if the axle bearing retainer is flat or deep.
flat=non=posi
deep= posi

[Jack Layton]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Wow! That is one heck of a response to a question!
Now if I can figure how to print those messages I'll be in great shape. Thanks Guys.

[Craig S.]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Jack - I copy and paste into a document in my Lotus wordpro application (or MS word). Then I change the color of the text from yellow to black, and save. I have several categorized documents with posts form our board....Craig

[Chuck L.]

Re: C1 Wheel Bearings

Have continued to use ball bearings in my 62 for eight years with 2000 miles per year and have no problem!