C1 1959 Rear Wheel Bearing

[Mark R.]

I am replacing the pasenger side rear wheel bearing and have read a lot about the bearings, and the spacer. It seems that a spacer should only be used if the bearing is 0.9" wide. And its not used if its 1" wide. My new bearing from Corvette Central is 1" wide - but when its fitted there is about a 1/16" gap between the bearing and the flange plate that holds the bearing/spindle in place. Hence the spindle can float in/out by the 1/16" Is this normal?? If not what am I doing wrong? Is the flange plate damaged?

Help?? oh and thanks.

Mark

[Mark R.]

Re: C1 1959 Rear Wheel Bearing

Hopefully my attempt to show a picture of the bearing I removed will work. The old bearing is 1" wide too - but it had a spacer that fitted into the bearing flange plate. That spacer has "ABC Made in USA 904824-904858" on it. But according to all the postings a spacer is not needed?

[John H.]

Re: C1 1959 Rear Wheel Bearing

I haven't seen a spacer outboard of the bearing; sheet below shows the instructions for installation of the original 0.9"-wide 1542 bearing, if it helps any.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 1959 Rear Wheel Bearing

Mark,
The attached 2 pictures will illustrate all you need to know about which bearing to use.
Look at this pocket where the bearing fits. If this dimension is about .900in, then you need to use the RW307 series bearing.
If this dimension is about 1.00in, then you need to use the RW607 series bearing. OR, if this dimension is about 1.00, then you can use the RW307 series bearing and the spacer that goes BETWEEN the bearing and the axle housing (the spacer would go into the bearing pocket FIRST, then slip in the axle).
That spacer in the picture on the NCRS board which shows a spacer of some kind between the bearing and the bearing retainer is not something that is supposed to be there.
If you have more questions, let me know.





These two pictures are axle bearings for 55-64 pass car/56-62 Vettes.
The first bearing is 55-56 pass car/56 Vette axle housing ONLY (RW507 series).
The middle bearing is 57 pass car/57 Vette. BUUUUUUUUUUUT, it can be used in 58-62 Vette axle housings WITH a spacer (RW307 series).
The 3rd bearing is for 58-62 Vette axle housings WITHOUT the spacer. This is the RW607 series bearing and SHOULD be the correct bearing for your 59 housing.
But again, as shown in the pictures above, MEASURE the depth of the bearing pocket in your housing.